The advent of online
poker has greatly helped
notoriety and popularity of the game itself, in particular Texas Hold
'em. Even some of today's top players have been
bred from online play. However, a good live player might have
trouble adjusting to online play.
Tells
How can a player get
a tell
from another when you can't see their face? As in live play,
when you first sit down at a table, whether it be cash or tournament,
limit or no limit, is to observe the other players at the
table. Most, if not all poker sites let you take notes on
each player. These notes allow you to save particular betting
habits, cards-played patterns, or any other general notes you wish to
save. Knowing your opponents tendencies online is just as
important as in live play.
Betting patterns are
another valuable tell in the
online world. It is easy for weaker players to fall into the
same betting patterns when they are strong and others when they are
weak. For example: in no limit play, it is common for weak
players to make a minimum bet on any given street with bottom
pair. Depending on the situation, it will usually be easy to
take the pot with a big raise. Speed of action is another key
to gauging strength for any particular hand. A player's
quickness to bet or raise is a good indication of strength. A
player's quickness to check might be an easy indication that they plan
to check-raise. It is important to remember that good players
will try to give off fake tells in the online world, as well.
Keeping good notes and using your own good instinct will help you when
engaging better poker players.
Keep your emotions in check
Playing
poker online allows for greater anonymity against your
opponents. Anonymity gives some players a little more courage
to play and overplay week hands to the river. There will be
days when your high pocket pairs will be routinely busted by rags, and
it will be frustrating! If you find yourself getting angry
and going into tilt-mode, turn off the
computer! Or do anything to limit your losses.
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