The online poker industry grows more than 10% annually. Reports say that the current online gambling industry’s net worth is expected to grow from $64 billion to $72 billion in 2021. On top of that, economists say that the total market will exceed $100 billion by 2025.
Online poker is much more than the lazy Sunday time killer. It’s a serious thing, and those who devote themselves to it can earn serious money.
If you’re a newbie and have a passion for poker, you have vast possibilities to get started. But, first yet, you need to learn basic poker concepts and follow some steps to help you master the game as soon as possible. Therefore, I’m presenting to you five basic steps that might be helpful to you.
Learn basic poker rules
Whether you want to play poker online or in a casino, you need to bear in mind one basic rule: DON’T START IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE RULES. Poker is a game of math and psychology, so you need to take some time and study it carefully.Â
First, you need to study the card strength and rankings. Take this task seriously because it will determine your poker career. If you can’t calculate your odds within a seconds after the flop is turned, you’re not a good player, and in the long run, you’ll face defeat.
Then, you need to study all the dealing and playing rules and terms. You need to get familiar with words such as:
- Flop
- TurnÂ
- River
- Small and big blind
- Early, middle, and late position
- Raise
- Fold
- Call
- Limp
…and many others. These are just the tip of the basics. Find yourself a beginners guidebook, and there are many available online. Read them carefully and read them repeatedly.
Find the best platform for yourself.
Once you learn the rules, you need to find the best playing platform for yourself. There are plenty of them, and you need to choose wisely. Every platform has the same concept, but you need to pay attention to two details:
Safety
While choosing the platform, choose the reliable one. After registration, the first thing you need to do is to leave your credentials, e-mail, and, most importantly, your credit card number.
You need a reliable platform to leave your credentials because plenty of phishing scammers wait for the perfect opportunity to take your bank account details. Also, some websites have weak security systems, which makes them an easy target for hackers.
Ease of access
There are thousands of online gaming platforms, so try to find the one with the best interface and ease of access when you’re choosing one. An excellent option for many players is when an online gaming platform has a mobile app you can use. That way, you’ll be able to play when you’re feeling inspired.Â
Cash in your bonus
Almost every online poker platform offers sign-up bonuses, so when choosing a platform, choose the one with the most significant bonus. Once you register, don’t forget to cash in your bonus. Usually, players get thrilled and start playing immediately after registration, and they fail to cash in. Don’t let it happen to you.Â
Be careful
The first rule, not just of an online, but of every poker game, is to be careful. You need to play low, especially in the early stages of the game. Don’t let your opponents read you. Instead of that, let your opponents uncover themselves. Most online players are amateurs or first-timers, and they’re revealing much more than they think.
The other tricky part of online poker is the fact you’re playing with digital money and coins. Players in such situations often lose a sense of playing with real money and unjustly start raising stakes, which usually leads to defeat. Â
Track your results
Once you start playing online, the good idea is to track your progress. Playing at your home makes you feel more comfortable, which quickly leads to deconcentration and makes you lose the sense of real money invested. Unfortunately, that’s the trap many players got themselves into.
To avoid this trap, you need to track your progress carefully. It would be helpful to create a spreadsheet and track your progress. Create it with as many details as possible. A spreadsheet should contain details about: date, amount of money invested, number of games, duration of the session, how many opponents you had, win/loss games rate, etc.
Conclusion
Poker brings thrill into your life. Online poker gives you a chance to play it anytime you want. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced player, you need to follow some basic rules. With proper tactics, everyone can be a winner. Play carefully, play responsively, and you’ll experience a lot of fun.Â
