Online poker is a fun and intellectually stimulating game that rewards real skill unlike slots or the lottery. It’s available around the clock, from any computer and in any location. There are thousands of ring games at virtually any stakes and tournaments with buy-ins from free up to thousands of dollars.
It’s easy to get started, but learning poker takes a lot of work. The best players spend as much time studying and improving their play as they do playing. They sign up for training sites like Chip Leader Coaching or Upswing Poker, network with successful pros and brutally analyze their games after every session.
Understanding Starting Hands
Getting the best early hand is a key part of any good poker strategy. However, there are many other factors that can influence the outcome of a hand. One of the most important is understanding your opponent’s starting hands and rankings. This information can help you determine whether to bluff or call their raise.
Another great tool is a Pot Odds calculator, which helps you understand what your opponent is likely to have by adding together the strength of their cards and comparing it to the board. This can also help you decide if it is worth raising pre-flop. It’s also a good idea to learn about the tells that poker players give off. These include nervous talking, nail-biting and frequent glances at their screen. Check out our article on Common Online Poker Tells to learn more.