The gaming industry is now one of the world’s biggest entertainment industries, with revenues heading way above and beyond the total earned in movies and TV. That’s because there are so many options to choose from, and every online gaming sector seems to be growing. More people are picking up their mobiles to play games than ever before, and there are also over 226 million video gamers across the country.
A report also states that 77% of those enjoying the digital playground now partake in online gaming at least weekly. That’s because online gaming has become many people’s way of staying connected and having fun with friends and family, as well as indulging their favorite pastimes during the pandemic. Those who love a trip to the casino had to find a new way of accessing their hobbies with the closure of the properties, and digital platforms allowed poker players to do just that. It’s enabled them to pick up the cards and stay connected with other players, as the social aspect of the game is so vital, and the convenience of doing it from home has proven to be a huge attraction.
Even as things have returned to normal, players continue to log on, with as many as 120 million people now said to be playing poker online. So, if you’re one of those new players, pull up a chair and look at our list of four great tips so you can avoid any early bad calls and up the ante against your opponents online.
Don’t feel like you have to stay in the game
If the flop hasn’t been kind, and there’s absolutely nothing to go on, don’t task a risk. New players can often fall into the trap of staying in the game with the hope of hitting a pair or hope that their high card is better than their opponents. It’s simply not worth it. Only remain in the game when there’s an opportunity to better your hand with something like a straight or a flush. Don’t be afraid to fold and wait for a better hand; doing so will lessen the chances of taking an unnecessary and avoidable bad beat.
Continuous improvement
A player who puts time into studying the game will soon have the edge over others who don’t commit to learning all they can learn about poker, and the good news is there are so many places to find helpful advice. Numerous websites have poker strategy hints and tips, and there are online training sites where you can watch videos from the pros who’ve been there and done it. Another great option is to brew your favorite espresso, kick back, relax and settle down to read one of the many printed resources that can help you raise your game. Super System is one of the best poker books to read as it offers tips from one of the most successful ever to play the game, Doyle Brunson. The Poker Hall of Famer has earned millions over decades at the felt, and the book gives readers the chance to learn how he did it and how you can adapt your game to be more like the Godfather of Poker. Alternatively, you can even talk to other players online because those who love playing poker also love nothing more than talking about it.
Give away as little as possible
This tip comes from two angles: stay quiet and don’t act out of turn because if you change your body language, you might give away extra information to your opponents, which will give them the upper hand. The other players in the game won’t appreciate you giving someone else an advantage, either. Secondly, you have to think about how the other players perceive you. Do you always go big with a strong hand and only throw in a few chips with a weak hand? It won’t take long for the best players to notice a pattern in your play, so always bear this in mind. You have to be completely unreadable, so occasionally switch up your tactics, just to throw people off the scent.
Back off the bluffs
There’s no doubt that hoodwinking your fellow players into wagering against your monster hand is fun, and it could even make you look like a player with much more experience than you have IF it comes off. However, with other beginners at the table, they’ll likely be caught up in the game, and they’ll often want to be involved in every hand. They may follow your bluff and end up costing you chips. It would help to focus your priorities on making money with a strong hand, which does take patience, but you’ll soon realize the rewards for showing restraint are in your favor.
Final Words
There you have it; remember, when first sitting down to have a game of online poker, be patient, take your time, lean on the resources available to you and enjoy the game. Before you know it, you’ll be the one taking home the pot and sharing your tips with your new poker buddies.
