Whether you’re in the middle of a home game, at the casino or playing poker online you’ll need to come prepared with the right strategy. While the game itself is pretty simple, winning takes much more than a good set of cards. You’ll need to learn about basic poker rules, how to read opponents and bluff effectively to win at the tables.
The first step to poker success is finding a reputable poker site and signing up for an account. Once you’ve created an account, you can choose a table and stakes that fit your budget. New players can benefit from sitting at lower-level games and working their way up to higher-stakes as they gain confidence.
You’ll also want to consider the game’s rules and payout options. A reputable poker site will offer high payouts, a safe environment and fair rules. Some sites even offer bonuses and promotions that can boost your bankroll.
Another important online poker tip is to play your strongest starting hands. This will help you put pressure on your opponents and increase the chances of getting a strong read on them. Especially when you’re in an early position, you should avoid weak hands like AQs, AJs and KQs.
To improve your game, try using a HUD (Host User Display) like PokerTracker 4 or Hold’em Manager 3. This will overlay your poker table and give you real-time stats on your opponent. This includes information like their pre-flop raise percentage and the number of times they’ve folded to a raise.