Online Poker Strategy and Tips

 Online Poker Strategy and Strategies

While anyone can learn basic poker strategies, it's important to have some tips and tricks in order to play online poker.

Although learning poker is easy, it can take several years to become an expert player. You can stay ahead of the crowd with this simple poker betting strategy.

How to Get Started with Poker

Poker online is now legal in certain US states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Online poker is simple and offers a wide range of friendly stakes. You can also get bonuses and promotional offers from the best online poker sites to boost your wallet.

Let's get started with a short overview of poker rules. Texas Hold'em poker is the most well-known form of poker. We'll use that game as an example.

A game of Hold'em gives each player two cards, one face up. Before the "flop" is dealt, there is a round to bet. These are three community cards, which are shared equally by everyone at the table.

A second round of betting ensues, and then a single card called "turn" is added to each hand. The turn is completed by a third round of betting.

1. Use your starting hands with care

When you're a novice player it can be tempting to play every hand. Why sit and watch others have all the fun while you fold?

There is a reason to be selective about your starting hands. Many times, your starting hands will fall behind the flop and you will lose money.

It is all about picking the right starting hand, passing on a marginal card and pouncing on a great hand. You should pick a few top hands to raise in the late position (where it is possible to be one of last to act) before you fold most of your tiny holdings.

2. Learn how to be aggressive

A good poker tournament strategy and cash game strategy requires aggressive play. You don't have to put in a lot of cash and force other players out.

The best poker tip is to be tight, aggressive and play only a few hands. When you are up against weaker players, such as those who are more likely than others to fold, you should be aggressive with your small pairs or suited connectors. This will allow you to conceal the true strength and potential weakness of your hand, especially if only a small portion of the flop connects.

3. Learn the Art and Technique of Bluffing

The best players would not bluff if they were not able to win enough pots. It is possible to miss the turn or flop a lot of times, so it is important to learn to bluff to force players to fold.

To win better hands, good players learn how to bluff. Begin by learning how to make a continuation bet (c–bet). This is a wager you place on the flip after you have led preflop betting.

It doesn't really matter if you have hit the flip, but a good c-bet will keep it going. C-bets are great for hiding your made hands, especially if you have a strong image. The opponent may think that you are trying to buy the pot when you have a good hand.

4. But Don't Bluff Too Much

Bluffing can be a great strategy to improve your poker game. You shouldn't be too attached to the idea that you can pull off many bluffs. Playing your marginal hands often is not a smart way to lose chips, especially if the calling station doesn't value your play.

Semi-bluffs can also be used. Semi-bluffs can be used when you have a drawing skill that could lead to a stronger hand.

For example, 6-5 may be your hand, while 8-9-J might have two. There are now straight, flush and straight flush options so you have the possibility of making a decent hand if you bluff.

5. Learn Hand Rankings & Odds

Knowing how to start hands is a great poker tip. But understanding the rankings online is an even better poker strategy.

If you're dealt A-8 and the flip comes K-8-2 you know you have an eight pair with an ace kicker. But, you're being beaten by a pair kings, possibly with a set of 2s and 8s.

What could you do to improve this? Another 8 might be enough to give you three of one kind, but it could also give an opponent a full house. An ace will give you two pairs and make you a strong player. If there were a pre-flop raiser might he hold AK. Free Poker Games Guide to How to Beat Stronger Players in Poker Tournaments