Poker is currently one of the most popular card games in the world, but it was not always like that.
Since at least the 17th century, one form or another of the game has existed in Europe.
On the other side of the Atlantic, it was French settlers who brought one of the first versions of the game to Louisiana.
From then on, it slowly spread throughout the United States through steamboats that transported goods and passengers along the Mississippi.
Over the years, various rules were added, and variations were introduced to the game until it reached the numerous versions that exist today.
But even back then, and despite what is shown in Hollywood Western movies, poker was not the most popular card game in the Old West. It was a game called Faro, which has practically disappeared.
Poker did not become universally popular until 1970, when the World Series of Poker began. This televised tournament was the game’s first step towards popularity.
Then, in the 1980s, the great State of California legalized poker games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha and the boom took off.
With the arrival of the Internet and the rise of online gambling, poker is now played in all corners of the world.
The online mode of this card game has made the game accessible to millions of people, and there are more players than ever. However, poker is a game in which you play with both the opponent and the cards.
It’s not like, for example, blackjack. Which means that playing online can be a different experience than playing a table in real life.
Therefore, we have put together this list of common mistakes to avoid when playing live online poker.
The five most common mistakes online poker players make
Although we, as players, always say that we are going to play poker, the name itself refers to a group of games rather than a single game.
The rules on betting and the number of cards players receive, jokers, etc. They may change, but all games in the poker family share the same goal: build a better hand than your opponents or make them believe you have one.
Of course, the above is not so easy when the other players are not in the same room as you, nor is it easy to judge whether they are bluffing or not. This makes a difference between real-world games and online casino games. Therefore, you must adjust your game accordingly.
First mistake: Spreading yourself across too many different games
The best thing about online poker is the wide range of games available. Whatever your favorite poker variation is, you can find it online. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to try different versions of the game to see which one you like best.
Although it is acceptable to experiment, in the end, it is better to choose just one version of the game and stick with it. Poker is a game of skill, and each version has its own strategies, and you must learn them if you want to be a successful player.
It is for that reason that you should stick with a single version of the game and master it before moving on to another.
Second mistake: Not knowing when to fold
Online poker develops quickly but can be a bit boring if you fold in the early stages of the game.
So you have to sit at the poker table and wait for the other players to finish the hand, and since the game is online, there isn’t the usual social interaction to keep you entertained.
For this reason, most online players delay the decision to fold until after the flop or even the turn.
This is a mistake that can – in the long run – cost you a lot of money, even if the betting levels are low. If you have a habit of playing with bad hole cards, the cost will increase over time.
As soon as you have the hole cards before the flop, you should evaluate what type of hands could be formed. For example, if you have three and eight as hole cards, the best option may be to fold them.
Any double you can create can easily be beaten and there are no other hands that can be formed.
On the other hand, if one of your hole cards is an Ace, it might be better to wait for the flop and see how the other players bet. If none of them bet after the flop, you could win with just that Ace.
Third mistake: Not observing the other players
Newcomers to the world of poker tend to focus on their cards and not the other players at the table. This can be a very costly mistake.
Previously, we mentioned that not being able to see the other players face to face makes it more difficult to read their plays, but it is not impossible. You can observe and analyze betting patterns and playing style.
Even small details, such as the time it takes them to decide whether to bet or check, can provide you with valuable information. You must master the art of observation and analysis to gain an advantage over your online opponents.
Fourth mistake: Lack of experience
Since it is so easy to play online poker for real money and the buy-ins can be quite low, many people try it just for fun. This is fine as long as it is a one-off experiment.
However, once you start playing regularly, it can become an expensive experiment if you do not have the experience to help you make the best plays. It is not all luck.
Fifth mistake: Not evaluating the position at the poker table
The position in the betting order for hands is one of the most critical parts of the game. The player located to the left of the dealer, or the “big blind” is in the worst position at the table, and the player to the right is in the best position.
When you play a live game, it is easy to remember who the dealer or the croupier is, as the button is passed around the table to help you remember. In online games it is easy to forget to keep an eye on the button and forget its position in the betting order.
Position is one of the most important aspects of the game. The decision to play a hand should always be based on your position at the table.
If you play from a bad position, be sure to make your move before most of your opponents can predict the strength of your hand and prepare a game plan accordingly. So, it is crucial to play in a controlled way (play tight) and only play with strong hands from early positions.
How to avoid making these mistakes in online poker games?
The best way to avoid costly mistakes like those described above is to practice. However, practicing goes beyond playing many games. It is also necessary to develop the ability to analyze the opponents’ game and to do that, you must first analyze your own.
Play free practice games. There are many poker sites where you can practice it. Keep track of your game and the good or bad decisions you make. Once you’ve identified and fixed the weaknesses in your game, you’ll be ready to move on and look for weaknesses in others’ games.