There was a time not long ago where the contrast between “live poker players” and “online poker players” was quite stark. Many top live pros stayed away from online poker while others struggled with the different handling of cards and chips or game etiquette when playing the game in the virtual world. However, these days most poker players of all levels engage in both online and live games to some extent.
The first thing to do when deciding to play online poker is find a poker site that accepts your preferred deposit methods. This could be a credit or debit card, prepaid voucher or one of the many web wallets that can be used to fund an account. Once you have found a suitable poker site and have funds available you can start to play for real money.
When playing poker for real money online you should always keep in mind that the game is a gamble and your winnings may be subject to fluctuations. Keeping track of your results is therefore important so that you can see if your wins and losses are increasing or decreasing. Luckily most online poker sites offer their players the option to do this through a handy session stats page.
If you’re a serious poker player it’s also worth investing in some software tools that can help you improve your game. These can include everything from hotkeys and overlays to solvers that can help you make optimal decisions on the tables. One of the most useful poker tools around is Table Ninja which makes it easy to manage multiple tables through a single window. This means that you can stay hyper-focused and still get the information you need to play your best.
Another great tool to have is ICMIZER. This poker calculator helps you determine the correct push and fold spots from preflop in tournament situations. This is extremely valuable knowledge to have in your arsenal when you are playing against tough opponents and will help you realize your full potential as a poker player.
The future for online poker in the United States looks brighter than ever, with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Michigan all making it legal to play poker there. This is a great step in the right direction for online poker, and it’s likely that more states will follow suit as the industry grows.
When playing poker online it’s essential to know your limits and be willing to walk away from a bad beat. This can be difficult if you’re a big winner, but it’s essential to protect your bankroll and avoid going broke. In addition to being a good strategy, it’s also a sign of respect for your fellow players. This is especially true for high stakes games where the stakes are higher and the rewards can be much greater.