Are you beginning to learn how to play poker online? If so, the first few games can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re playing alongside other people who have more experience. The great news is that, as with most things in life, practice makes perfect when it comes to online poker.

Here are a few tips and strategies to help you hone your skills and enjoy every second of this long-time gambling favorite.

Stop worrying about winning

Of course, every poker player wants to walk away from every live poker tournament with an impressive sum of money in their pockets, but the reality is that this doesn’t always happen. Not only will going into a game with this expectation lead to disappointment more often than not, but it could also contribute to the development of irresponsible gambling habits. You’re also sure to struggle to focus when you’re only worried about winning! Try your best to tune out what’s happening around you and to set aside any self-doubt. Most importantly, play simply because you enjoy it.

Hit the books

The best way to get better at Texas Hold’em poker (or any other poker variant that you may choose to play) is to study the game, learn from the pros and form your own strategy. Speak to any professional poker champ and they’ll tell you that great players are made both on and off the felt.

If you really want to take your online poker tournaments seriously, it’s worth thinking about hiring a poker coach or signing up to take online poker courses. There are also plenty of books available to help you improve your skills and your general knowledge regarding making the most of the game.

Don’t overdo it

A few rules of thumb when playing video poker online or live poker tournaments include not playing too many hands and avoiding bluffing too often. A common mistake that beginners make is going for gold no matter which cards they’re dealt.

The key is to be selective when it comes to your starting hands in particular. Yes, a large part of poker revolves around luck and every hand indeed has the potential to win, but it’s also true that some hands have a higher chance of paying out than others. Learn how to manage your risk and you’ll likely lose less money as a result.

As for bluffing, it doesn’t play nearly as big of a role in poker as most people have been led to believe by movies and TV shows. In fact, most poker pros claim that bluffing around 20% of the time or less can be considered the “sweet spot” in most games. So, be sure to work on your “poker face” but know that it shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all of your strategy!

Don’t only take your own cards into account

It’s important to evaluate your chances of winning based on your starting hand and your hand every round thereafter, but what most beginners don’t realize is that it’s just as crucial to think about your competitors’ cards when making decisions about whether to fold or play on.

For example, you might be feeling good about holding a flush, but then you see that your main competitor has gone “all in” and is looking confident. You re-check the other cards on the felt and notice that there are four cards of the same rank present. Could your opponent be holding four-of-a-kind, which would ultimately beat your flush? Always remember that just because you have a good hand doesn’t necessarily mean that you have the best hand at the poker table.

Your position at the “table” matters

Your position at the table has a significant influence on your chances of landing a win when playing both online poker and when playing in-person at a land-based casino. This is especially true when playing Texas Hold’em poker. 

The best position is when you’re last in line to make a decision concerning your hand. This position is called being “on the button.” When you’re “on the button,” you have the privilege of seeing what all the other players choose to do first, giving you some insight into who might be holding which cards.

Create a poker budget

When you first start out, it’s tempting to carry on playing despite any big losses, especially when you feel like you’re just starting to get the hang of things. But this can sometimes lead to you spending more than you can afford. As such, it’s a good idea to start off playing video poker online for free or taking part in friendly games with friends while you’re still learning the rules, and only move on to playing poker for real money when you’re starting to feel confident in your abilities.

Following this switch, take a close look at your finances and calculate how much you can safely set aside for gambling. Be strict about sticking to your budget and, along with poker tournament tips like the ones offered above, take the time to research tips for proper bankroll management too.

Online poker at Borgata Online

Here at Borgata Online, you’ll find plenty of ways to work on your poker skills and have fun in your free time. We offer a wide variety of popular poker variants and live poker tournaments in addition to a diverse menu of other gaming go-to’s like online slots, arcade games, keno and bingo, to name just a few.

If you’re ready to explore our offering, go ahead and register via our convenient mobile portal.