So how do I get started with online poker?”
This is a question my peers and I get asked with quite some frequency. That being said, I can’t think of a more valuable post to write for those who would ask this same question. I am going to answer this question, here– for you, the same way I wish someone had answered me years ago. So, without further ado…
Getting Started with Online Poker:
1. Pick a Game & Learn How to Play
Now this first rule may seem basic enough– but believe me, I have heard enough to know to include it in this essential list of “musts“. And NO, they do not offer 5 Card Draw online. I’m sorry. Yes, I realize that’s what your dad taught you how to play when you were a kid and you have this sentimental attachment, but unless you’re Brett Maverick and have the uncanny ability to channel the Ace of Spades (or whatever) when you need it most, then it’s best to move on my friend.
I think the default here is for people to jump into No Limit Texas Hold’em because it’s been the predominantaly televised variation of poker these last couple of years. Of course there’s nothing wrong with that– No Limit’s a great game. But, if you’re just starting out, it’s well worth it to try on a couple of the other games (Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha) and go with what best suits you. Limit Hold’em is a great game (that I recommend) for a lot of beginners because it’s without the psychological stress of the “all in” wager– and thus, perhaps a bit easier to maintain your bankroll playing. Perhaps, since I’m a limit player, I’m biased. Pick the game that suits you, and run with it. You want this to be fun afterall.
Make sure you know the basic rules, hand rankings, betting stucture, etc. BEFORE hitting the tables. You don’t want an unnecessary (and costly) lesson in “on the job training”. A couple other important concepts to (at least) be aware of in real money poker are:
2. Open a Rakeback-Earning Account at a Poker Site
I recently wrote an article discussing the concept of “Rakeback” and encourage you to take a peek if you are fuzzy about this. NEVER play a hand of real money online poker on a non-rakeback account. If you are already playing online poker and this is new to you, then you are losing money (maybe A LOT of money) and you need to see about signing up for rakeback. *I should mention that no poker site will allow multiple accounts (obviously) and will not allow you to sign up for rakeback with your current account if you’ve already opened one. To those people, I would say:
- Sign up for rakeback at another poker site
- Sign up “your spouse” (or whatever) for a rakeback account at the aforementioned site (no reason THEY shouldn’t get rakeback at your favorite site… *wink*)
What site should you play on? The easy answer: Whatever site you want to. But, you’ll probably want a site that:
- Offers rakeback (MOST sites offer rakeback, but some, such as PokerStars, do not)
- Has adequate traffic (Full Tilt Poker has the highest traffic, followed by AP & UB among U.S. players)
- Has game limits that are appropriate to your bankroll (UB & AP have limits as low as .02/.04)
- Is compatible with your Poker Tracking Software (Sites like Cake Poker is not supported by PT software)
I often will recommend that players have an account at a couple of poker sites (my 2 “Go To” sites are Full Tilt Poker & Absolute Poker). This affords you many more options and opportunities. Besides, it prevents you from getting so attached to any one software platform that you find it difficult to maneuver around and target the juiciest games available to you.
3. Set Yourself Up For Success: Use Poker Tracking Software!
In a previous article (Online Poker: Notes & Visual Aids for Optimum Game Selection), I wrote all about the importance & intricacies of note-taking, visual aids, and poker tracking software, but I feel this is worth stressing to beginning players especially: Get yourself PokerTracker or Holdem Manager. Poker is a game of edges. It’s really -EV to play without poker tracking software. I think PokerTracker’s site puts it well:
PokerTracker is the world’s first and largest poker tracking and analysis software to improve your poker game. It is the single most important tool that every online poker player must have to be successful. PokerTracker imports your hand histories that poker sites writes to your computer. It then parses the hands and stores statistics/information about the hands into a local database so that you can look at every possible angle of both you and your opponents poker game.”
Not to be outdone, one of Holdem Manager’s testimonials puts the nail in the coffin:
“Holdem Manager is a must have tool for the serious online player!”
So, pick one and download the free trial (zero percent chance you don’t love and buy after 30 days… 
)
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- Every Stat You’d Ever Need… At Your Fingertips
*Note: If you’re planning on playing on AP, then make sure you get version 2 of Poker Tracker, as the latter version has yet to be compatible with the Cereus network’s software…
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
There’s no substitute for experience. Get out there and start putting some serious hands in!
Now, the age old adage “Quality over quantity” absolutely holds true here. Make sure that whatever amount of time you’re able to commit to your regular poker sessions is focused quality time. You’re going to need all your faculties about you to excel at poker, so playing while watching television (and other such distracting activities) probably isn’t the best habit. You don’t want to accidentally fold pocket aces because you were concentrating on someone getting their torch snuffed on Survivor! If poker is something you’re serious about, then like anything, you can set aside a little bit of time each day for it.
5. Integrate Consistent Continuing Education!
Sound like a lot of professions out there? Well, like many things, poker is a craft– an ever changing and evolving art that one can spend their lives perfecting (and never perfect). Get the point?
You will do well in this game/sport/profession if you always seek to improve. Luckily, there are multiple ways to do this and no wrong way. Some tried and true suggestions might be:
- Read educational Poker Literature (*contact us for personal recommendations)
- Watch professional DVD Tutorials
- Get an online video coaching subscription (Cardrunners & Stoxpoker are the best)
- Hire (or Receive) 1-on-1 poker coaching or mentoring (*contact us for personal recommendations)
- Participate in a Poker Forum with other Players
- Subscribe to a poker magazine (many informative & entertaining articles)
- All of the above (a multifaceted approach never hurt anyone!)
Nomatter what though, just keep your head right and never give up. Spoiler Alert: There will be ups and downs. The difference will be, as you improve, there will be less and less downs (although they never disappear completely nomatter how good you get).
I hope this article was helpful & I look forward to playing with you at the tables! Good Luck friends
