Online Poker Strategies for Beginners & Advanced Players
As with many skills, the basics of online poker are relatively simple to pick up. However, to develop a high level of proficiency, it takes not only talent but also hours of practice. To give yourself the best chance, and ensure your efforts are directed in the correct way, there are a number of strategies that can help.
Here we will run through a few of the core poker strategies that players use to gain the advantage over their rivals. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to sharpen up your skills, there should be something everyone can take away.
Beginner Strategies
No matter how hard you practice, there will be times that you hit a bad run. Thinking hard work and dedication should result in near invincibility is an easy trap to fall into, though thankfully it is also easy enough to steer clear of.
To do this, you need to look at the smaller picture. Whilst this might seem contrary to common advice, considering the bigger picture can sometimes overwhelm and cloud our judgement. By taking each turn as it comes and focussing on making good decisions in the moment, we can take more control of our destiny. Though this will not result in guaranteed success, it does make it far more likely you will perform to your best each time. Doing this will not only increase your chances of winning, but also provide more meaningful lessons from which you can draw further improvement.
Strategies for Experienced Players
One of the elements which makes online poker so fascinating, is the ability to play it in a number of different ways. Whether you're cool and calculated or an aggressive risk-taker, there is a style for every personality out there.
The main styles can be categorized as one of the following:
The tight style is characterized by a largely cautious approach. A player using this style will look to play the percentages, playing relatively few hands, waiting for the optimum moment to strike.
On the other side of the coin you will find the loose style. Someone considered to be a loose player likes to get involved in lots of hands. More proactive than reactive, loose players like to get involved and take on risks.
Whilst tight and loose styles are used to describe how involved a player may be in a game, aggressive and passive styles describe what forms these involvements take. An aggressive player will use large bets as the centre of their poker strategy. Despite seeming reckless, this tactic requires players to be measured and target their aggression properly. Doing so can heap pressure on opponents and cause them to make mistakes.
As you can probably guess, this style of play allows the opponents of a player to dictate the direction of a game. When coupled with a tight approach, this style will result in more calling than betting. Whilst seeming like they are being dictated to, a skillful player can use this to their advantage against an overzealous adversary. Taking the time to see the game unfold, they can set traps that their opponents won't take the time to consider.
Whilst distinct, it is your ability to blend and switch between these styles that will truly give you an advanced set of skills. Not only does this stop you from becoming predictable to opponents, but it also allows you to proactively alter the battlefield by setting traps and heading off any moves.
If you're new to these online poker strategies, we would suggest starting out with a tight-aggressive approach. This requires players to be selective, but also promotes a front foot strategy that will bring with it the most valuable lessons. Being comfortable with risk and placing bigger bets, when needed, will ultimately bring about the best results. For more great tips, visit our homepage and take a look around.
