With the rise of the Internet, poker has gone beyond land-based rooms and is now massively accessible on online platforms. You can access both non-GamStop poker sites that accept British players and regular GamStop providers, and enjoy a wide variety of options from anywhere in the world.
Poker is a card game where players bet on who has the best hand. Some of the most popular variations include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, 5-Card Draw and High/Low Chicago.
Like many other games, poker’s origins are debated. Some believe it began in Persia, while others think it came from China. The exact origin remains unclear. However, the first European version traces back to a 17th-century French game called “poque,” which gave the game its name. It then evolved through the German game “pochen” and the Spanish game “primero.”
But how do you play poker, and what are the best strategies you can use? Let’s find it out together.
Moves in Poker
In poker, players can usually take one of the following actions when it’s their turn:
- Bet – You can make a wager by putting chips into the pot. The sum you can bet depends on the game’s limits.
- Check – If you don’t want to place a bet, you can choose to check and pass the action to the next player.
- Call – If another player has bet, you can “Call” by matching their bet to stay in the game.
- Fold – If you believe you can’t win, you can “Fold” and forfeit the current hand.
- Raise – You can increase the current wager by placing more chips into the pot.
These actions are key to either winning the pot or learning more about other players’ hands.
The Best Poker Strategies for New Players
After you find a safe online poker site to play at, let’s look through the main strategies and tips you can consider when playing poker for the first time.
Pick Your Starting Hands Wisely
To get better at poker, you need to know when to play your cards and when to fold. It may seem simple, but every winning strategy starts with the hand you’re dealt and one key choice: to play or fold.
There’s no absolute right or wrong hand, only different options. For instance, if you have a pair of tens in a late position, you’d usually play that hand. But if there’s been a lot of action before your turn, folding might be the better move.
Fold When You’re Unsure
The major difference between a bad gamer and a pro? A good player knows when to fold a strong hand, like the top pair, if they think they’re beaten. It sounds simple but is tough to do because our brains crave curiosity and the desire to win. Folding means giving up the chance to win and never knowing what the opponent has.
Calling too often, especially in the wrong spots, is one of the quickest ways to lose at poker (second only to bad bluffs). So, when you’re unsure whether to call or fold, do yourself a favour and fold.
Players and Position Are Crucial
Poker strategy revolves around two main ideas: the players and your position at the table. The starting hand charts we mentioned earlier include more hands the later you are in position. Why? Because when you act later, you have more information.
You get a better idea of your opponents’ cards once they’ve made their moves. The first player to act has no information, so it’s wise to play cautiously and only start with strong hands. Besides knowing your position, it’s important to understand the players you’re facing. Opening with a 4-4 in a late position in a six-player game is fine if the table is filled with passive players.
Their tendency to play with fewer hands gives you more room to take control with a wider range of hands. But if you’re up against aggressive players, it might be smarter to fold your 4-4, even in a good position.
Play Fewer Hands, but Play Them Strongly
One of the main poker rules is that mastering aggression is key to success in poker. Just pair your aggression with good timing, which means sticking to a smaller selection of hands.
However, when you choose to play, be as aggressive as you can. A great way to win is by putting pressure on your opponents, causing them to make mistakes. You can achieve this by playing fewer hands (tight) and betting or raising confidently (aggressively).
Don’t Be the First to Limp
Limping is a bad move if you’re the first to enter a pot. There are two main reasons to avoid it:
- You lose the chance to win the pot right away, which you could do by raising.
- You give players after you great odds to call, making it likely you’ll face more opponents, reducing your chances of winning.
The only time it’s okay to limp is if another player has already done so. This is called over-limping, and it can be a smart move since you’re getting good odds to see the flop and hit a strong hand.
Attack When Your Opponent Shows Weakness
Gamers don’t check with hands that can call several bets as often as they should. This means that when they do check, they usually have a relatively weak hand that will often fold if faced with multiple bets.
When your opponent shows a lot of weakness in a heads-up pot (like if they check on the flop and the turn), you can take advantage of them with an aggressive bluffing strategy. Not only should you bet with your usual semi-bluffs, but you should also bet as a pure bluff with some nothing hands, ideally ones with good blocker effects.
Make Use of Table Statistics and Charts
Last but not least, if you play online poker, be sure to use the table statistics that most sites offer. Look for a table with a high average pot size and many players seeing the flop. This is an important strategy that new players often overlook as they learn the rules of poker.
Conclusion
Poker is a complex game requiring both strategy and skill. By understanding the fundamentals, mastering your moves, and being aware of your opponents, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, patience, discipline, and continuous learning are key to becoming a proficient poker player.
Beyond the basic strategies outlined in this article, there are additional factors to consider for the safe poker play:
- Bankroll Management: Effective bankroll management is essential to ensure you can withstand losses and continue playing. Set realistic limits and avoid chasing losses.
- Emotional Control: Poker can be emotionally draining, so it’s important to maintain control of your emotions. Avoid tilt, which is when negative emotions cloud your judgment and lead to poor decision-making.
- Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the specific game you’re playing, the opponents you’re facing, and the overall table dynamics.
- Continuous Learning: Poker is a game of constant evolution. Stay updated on the latest strategies, trends, and software developments to maintain a competitive edge.
Remember, poker is a game of chance, and there’s no guaranteed formula for success. However, by understanding the fundamentals, practising regularly, and maintaining a disciplined approach, you can improve your skills and increase your chances of winning.