Getting Started in Online Poker Part 1 of 2

Tuesday, March 8th, 2005 (By the PokerStrategyKing)

Over the past several weeks, I have discussed many aspects in the hopes that by reading my articles, you will become a more profitable poker player. I’ve discussed strategy for winning online tournaments, advanced strategy such as bluffing and things to avoid such as going on tilt, but I just realized something. I have neglected to go over the basics that all poker players should keep in mind. There are certain things you must keep in mind before sitting at a table and throwing your hard earned money into the mix.

Today I will begin a 2-part series on the subject of getting started in online poker
Here are the first 5 of 10 Internet Poker Strategies that, when followed, will get you on your way to becoming a winning online poker player.

#1: Play within your bankroll

One of the most common mistakes for poker players just starting out is to play beyond their bankroll. For example, if you are planning to play a $5-$10 limit game, don't expect to deposit $100 and last very long at the table as many hands cost as much as $50-$100 to get to the showdown.. You need to choose a smaller limit game, and deposit enough chips so that you are comfortable having a few losing sessions in a row, and not lose most of your bankroll. To calculate your poker bankroll, you will need at least 100 times the big bet for your bankroll. For example, if you want to play $1/$2 dollar holdem at a minimum, you should bring $200. If you are thinking of playing professionally (as a job), you will need at least 400 times the big bet. Swings in your bankroll are normal, and you need to be able to have a few losing sessions and still be able to keep playing. Choosing your game, and figuring out your bankroll is the first thing to keep in mind when sitting down for a game.

#2: Become a master of one game.

Another important decision to make is what game you will specialize in. Find a game that you enjoy playing, and learn that game inside and out. Read poker books, online strategy guides, and practice and perfect your game. For beginners, I recommend limit texas holdem poker, as the games are fast, popular, easy to understand, and there are plenty of weak players to be found. In addition, at these lower limits you won’t lose all of your money in one ill-fated hand. Many players like to dabble in Stud or Omaha as well. These are great games of course, but I recommend that you master one game before branching out so as to avoid spreading yourself too thin.

#3: Patience, patience, patience.....

When playing online, you must remember that you will play many more hands per hour then when playing in real life. Shuffling, dealing, and betting is done much quicker, with quick "auto buttons" speeding up play considerably. If you struggle with boredom playing in only a small number of pots, try playing at 2 tables at once. Many sites allow for this, but be sure to keep track of them, as it is easy to become confused. But whatever you do, do not go into hands with marginal cards simply because you are bored. What’s more boring, not playing in a few hands for an hour or not playing until your next payday because you got bored and lost all your money making questionable plays?

#4: Know when to take a break

When you are playing poker on the internet, it is much easier to "go on tilt", as there is no one watching you. Going on tilt simply means losing a big pot when you were the favorite, and playing poorly for several hands after because you are mad. When this happens the losses will pile up and it can cripple your bankroll. When you take a bad beat, or lose several hands in a row to people who should not have been in the hand, it is easy to lose your cool. Set specific guidelines for what limit tables you will play at, and do not go against them. When you are mad, you should not be playing poker. Take a break, go to another table, or stop playing all together. Most poker players would agree that their bottom line would be much more favorable had they had the discipline to just walk away when things go wrong.

#5: Take advantage of online chat

Be nice to your opponents. Tell them nice hand (nh) when they have one. When someone makes a big draw against you, tell them it was a good idea. Never, never, never correct an opponents mistakes. When your opponent calls you all the way, and loses, don't try to correct his strategy. It is a good thing when you are being out drawn. You want your opponents to have worse hands then you, and have to improve them to beat you. Don't correct their poor play, and don't insult them when you beat them. Treat them with respect, and make them feel like your friend. A friend they will be easy on when they do have the 'nuts' (the best possible hand). Conversely, by not correcting their poor play, you will be able to cash in on them more often than not because their luck won’t last forever. Because of online chat, I have seen countless players mouth off after winning a hand or taking a bad beat. Keep in mind if you would say these things at a live table. Some things people say to each other would earn them a class A beating if they were sitting at a brick and mortar cardroom.

Read these tips, re-read them and digest them. Remember, the goal here is to make money, not just pass the time…

Until next time, may the chips fall your way.

(For more poker strategy and tips, please visit the PokerStrategyKing’s website at www.pokerstrategyking.com )

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