Poker is a game of universal appeal, enjoyed by all. Regardless of where it is played, it’s a highly accessible and enjoyable game.
Unlike other games, such as Lotto, poker rewards skill, and players can go at their own pace and play any time they like, for however long they want. Whether this is in a casino or in their own home.
Beginners can play for free or for the most minor stakes going. At the same time, those more experienced may choose to participate in a live tournament or another high-stakes game.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or are a seasoned pro, everyone can find their perfect seat at a poker table. There are believed to be over 100 million poker players worldwide, a number that’s only increasing in time.
Online Poker is Highly Competitive, so New Players Must Adapt Quickly
While online poker isn’t tricky to get started with, it can be highly competitive. Players are encouraged to work out how competitive a room is before they engage in play, so they don’t end up losing money.
If a player has managed to gather many chips or winnings or have been in the game a long time, they’re probably very experienced. For these players, claiming your money will likely take minimal effort!
Everything You Need to Know About Online Poker
If you’ve never played poker on a site like 888 Poker before, sit tight because there are lots to learn.
We’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions asked by beginners. Hopefully, this should help you get up and running in no time.
1. How is Online Poker Different from a Live Game?
The rules for both are usually the same, but it tends to be quicker and less risky. Players play for smaller amounts.
Some people don’t like playing online. They can’t see their opponents, which makes it difficult to determine when someone is bluffing.
2. How do I Get Started with Online Poker?
A laptop or desktop PC is all you usually need to get started with online poker.
It doesn’t even need to be brand new. In fact, models from 2000 onwards should still be sufficient.
If you want to play poker on the go, you’ll need a mobile device, along with an app download of your favorite poker site.
3. How Much Money Will I Need to Put Down Initially?
Many sites offer free play, but between $50 and $200 should keep you going a while. Just choose games that won’t wipe you out all at once.
It’s worth starting with $1 tournaments, where you can accumulate cash alongside them. In fact, games are available for as little as $0.01.
4. How do I Play Online Poker?
Firstly, make sure you’re over 18, as poker sites conduct verification checks to make sure. You’ll then either need to download poker software or head to a poker site to play.
Make a deposit, then get started on your first ever game.
5. How do Online Poker Tournaments Work?
Popularised by TV events, tournaments work where players’ buy in’ and are then offered a chip stack. People who lose all their chips are withdrawn until a winner is determined.
With the chance to win big, tournaments usually occur on weekends and are even more lucrative than TV events.
6. What is a Sit and Go Tournament?
They are smaller tournaments, usually of one table or less, which begin when there are enough players around the table. They don’t last as long as larger, multi-table tournaments and rewards are more minor.
However, tournaments do exist where prize pools become more considerable, even before the event has started.
7. What is a Cash Game?
It’s a classic form of poker where each player buys in with a fixed amount. Only a set minimum or maximum amount of chips can be placed on the table at once, which is the same a player can bet in one hand.
Players have the chance to top this up during the game or leave altogether. These types of games are more prolonged than tournaments.
8. How can I Achieve a Strong Bonus?
On registering as a new player, you’re likely to be offered a welcome bonus, typically 100% of what you deposit. Do your research, as some poker sites offer more than others.
9. How do I Determine Poker Hand Rankings?
Calculators are available that can show you the final hand of each player and the winning hand. It can be used in different situations and requires you to enter your own hands and your opponent’s ones and ones on the board.
10. How can I Calculate Odds?
Take a look at a poker odds calculator, which will tell you the percentage chance your hand has to win on each street. It will also tell you if you’re behind or ahead of the other player.
11. What’s the Difference Between Freerolls and Free Online Poker?
Freerolls are free tournaments aimed at specific customers. They’re free to enter, and there are usually many to choose from, many of which are entirely exclusive.
It’s basically a way to reward loyal players. Free tournaments can also be up for grabs.
12. How can I Cash in a Bonus?
You’ll need to play some poker first, as the site will need to know that you’re actually going to play some games. Once you begin to accumulate points, bonuses may then be offered.
On signup, attempt to gain as many hands as possible for more points.
13. What’s the Benefit of Playing at a ‘Beginner Only’ Table?
It allows beginners to adapt to the features and speed of poker games. One table is provided, free of sharks, and hands aren’t capped.
However, once a specific threshold has been crossed, players will no longer be eligible.
14. Why is it Important to Track Winnings?
It allows players to work out where they’re winning or losing money. Check your stats every now and then to determine your win rate, flops, and the number of times to showdown you’ve achieved.
15. Why is it Worth Considering Live Tournaments?
They will allow you to work your way up to larger and larger winnings. Particularly step tournaments, which go up a level each time.
You’ll eventually reach ‘sit and go’ where you can earn a package buy-in or another prize if you win.
16. Is it a Good Idea to Play at More than One Table at a Time?
Yes, once you’ve mastered the basics.
Start with two tables side by side, working on achieving the best hand you can on one table. Then try to double it.
There are Many Different Poker Variations Offered at Online Casinos. Which are Best for Beginners?
Texas Hold’Em is an excellent game to start off with because it’s straightforward to learn. The most basic version is where players are given two cards and must combine them with other community cards to make the best hand possible.
Once players have mastered the basics, they may want to try more complex games, including Omaha and Omaha hi-lo, 7 card stud, SNAP, and BLAST.
Once you’ve Mastered the Basics, there’s an Entire World of Poker to Explore!
We hope this guide helps you develop your game further so you can go on to even larger tournaments and more complex games.
