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Getting Started Playing Online Poker

Published by admin on September 6, 2010

Getting Started Playing Online Poker

If you are a beginner and feel you need to practice in play money games before risking any real money, then feel free to download poker room software and use the play money option, as it simulates actual playing conditions. It’s so realistic that you will quickly become comfortable and gain the confidence that you need for cash games.
Deposit at least $500 for your initial bankroll as you will get a 100% up to $600 poker bonus on sites like Full Tilt Poker by using full tilt poker bonus code PSR100, so the more you deposit the more free money you will get.

Play in the 25NL games to start with or a lower limit. It’s not a good idea to start multi-tabling to begin with. Entry level players should play one 25NL game until they become experienced and skilled enough to handle more tables.

Once you start getting the hang of this, you will find that the 25NL games are full of easy money. Look for short stacks, the players sitting with $8-15. Target these short stackers it’s the easiest money you will find, and you can just sit there and increase your stack steadily. One of the easiest 25NL sites is a new European poker site – Real Deal Poker. New players can enjoy a 100% up to $500 bonus by using real deal poker bonus code PTHBONUS when creating an account.

Punish the short stacks in the 25NL games whenever you feel like you need to book a win, as this is your best shot. Stick to the short-handed games so that new near-broke players can join, and if your game fills up, leave and sit down at another shorthanded table if some of the players appear to be regulars.

When you are ready to play multiple tables, choose between either playing in two 6-handed games or in three full ring games. There is about the same amount of action (hands-per-hour wise) in two 6-handed games as there is at three full ring tables. However, the advantage to three full tables is that you will be exposed to more players simultaneously, increasing your chances of being up against an idiot who re-raises all-in before the flop with AQ when you are holding AA or KK.

In saying that, full ring tables tend to be tighter then 6-max, so they both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you decide to play at the casino, you only get to play at full tables, so if you want practise for live poker to simulate similar playing conditions, then play on the full ring online tables.

Ultimately, you want to work your way up to playing in three full 50NL or 100NL games at once, or maybe a combination of the two. This is where the real money is, but no mistake about it, they are tougher games because there is decent money to be made at these limits. But don’t do it before your bankroll can handle it. The limit is not as important as the players in the game, so always go where the fish are playing, whatever limit that may be, just as long as you have the bankroll to support it. Otherwise try to find soft games with one or more weak players that you have notes on.

When you have built up a $1000 bankroll, doubling your initial size or so, it may be time to start playing in three 50NL games. But don’t be shy about going back to playing in two 25NL games if you experience a couple of losing sessions. It’s a much better idea to drop down in limits then vice versa when you are experiencing a downswing, it will help your confidence a great deal. In fact, this goes for any losing streak no matter how big your account size is. I often step down to sweep the 25NL games when I just feel like winning, period, even with more than $5,000 in my account.

There will eventually come a point where you can start withdrawing weekly or monthly profits. I highly recommend not doing this until you have established a healthy sized bankroll that can absorb losing streaks, like maybe $3,000 or so.

Develop a winning attitude, but never start expecting the profits just because you have been winning. This could easily cause you to loosen up your play too much, trust me i can happen, and then your deteriorating results will be your own fault and not caused by the natural fluctuations in the game. If this ever happens to you, take a break. Analyze your game to identify any leaks, step down in limit, and tighten back up to your “A” game, which is the only game you should ever be playing anyway. You will always still have to earn your winnings by constantly making the correct decisions.

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