Dos and Donts of Your First Online Poker Game

Introduction

Your first online poker game might be compared to a visit to a big casino that you have never seen before, full of excitement, unpredictability, and with immense possibilities. However, unlike a casino, the online tables afford you time to grasp the basics, steer clear of common mistakes, and gain confidence in your skills without being dazzled by the lights or stared at by strangers. If you are playing just for fun, or if you intend to become a serious player, abiding by a few essential dos and don’ts will help you get off to a good start and avoid the mistakes of a beginner.

Here are the clear and practical guidelines of what you are supposed to do and what you should definitely avoid the first time you play at an online poker ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌table.

DO​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Learn the Basics Before Playing

You should understand the basics at least before you click the "Join Table" button. Being a strategist or knowing advanced theories is not necessary, but you do need to see the core rules of the poker version you are playing, which is usually Texas Hold'em.

Learn the hand rankings until they are like a second nature to you. Know which hand a flush beats, where a straight is compared to a whole house, and how kicker cards work. A lot of beginners lose their first chips because they misread their hands or think that a pair of aces is the strongest hand. It is not.

Besides that, get to know the betting formats as well. The No-limit tables have very different dynamics from the fixed-limit or pot-limit games. By understanding how betting structures work, you will be safe from situations where you raise too much or fold too early without really intending ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌to.

DO​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Play Poker at Low-Stakes Tables First

You might be very sure after watching streams or playing at home with your friends, but poker online is quite a different world; it is faster, more structured, and is usually more competitive. Tables with low stakes are meant for new players and allow you to get used to the game's speed without risking money you might not be able to afford to lose.

Low stakes are also good for you to try out different things. You can practice folding, betting, and getting used to the players' reactions without being forced by a situation. If you happen to make a mistake, that will definitely be the case; it will not cost you much, and you will learn from it very ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌fast.

DO​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Limit Your Hands and Play Them Well

Playing too many hands because of excitement is one of the biggest mistakes that beginners make. It is very easy with online poker to get the impression that you should be involved in every pot since the game goes on fast, but discipline is actually one of the most powerful skills that you can acquire early on.

Stick to the best starting hands: strong pairs, high-suited connectors, and big Broadway cards. Folding is an element of the game, and good players fold much more than beginners do. It is better to play less hands with confidence than to play more hands with lack of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌confidence.

DON'T​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Try to Call Every Bluff

In the movies, poker looks like a game full of bluffs that are handled in a slick and daring manner, but in reality, poker, and especially for beginners, excessive bluffing is the quickest way of losing your bankroll. The effectiveness of bluffing comes from situations where you have analyzed your opponents and the moment is right, not when you are feeling out of mood or being adventurous.

As a new player, you should primarily concentrate on playing solid and simple poker. Eventually, through time and experience, you will be able to find more opportunities for a strategic ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌bluff.

DON'T​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Engage in a Game When Your Mind is Elsewhere

Playing online poker may give you a false impression of a casual game, as you are at home. However, if you are playing while being distracted, watching TV, multitasking, or scrolling through your phone, then you will lose. Every decision counts, and online tables are very fast. A single moment of inattention may result in you calling a bet that you did not intend or missing an excellent opportunity to raise.

Think of your session as something that requires your focus. Make yourself comfortable, turn off the distractions from the background, and give your attention to the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌game.

DON'T​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Pursue Losses

Everyone loses in poker, even professional players. What distinguishes good players from bad ones is their reaction to the losses.

In the case of a loss at the beginning of a session, do not panic and do not try to "win it all back" by playing bigger hands or raising more often. This is playing with your emotions, and it is one of the quickest ways to lose your bankroll.

Keep your cool, follow your plan, and if you are feeling tilted, take a break. Sometimes just leaving for five minutes is enough to change your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌mentality.

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Posted by kmorr906