Although often regarded merely as a game of chance, playing poker is a complex skill that incorporates strategy, psychology and cunning. After mastering the fundamentals, the next step to elevating your game is implementing some more advanced strategies.
Good players consistently alter their approach throughout the course of a game to avoid becoming predictable and to keep their opponents guessing. Occasionally, you should bluff with strong hands, as well as slow-play monster hands that are likely to win the round regardless.
As one of the most popular contemporary online games, new poker strategies are constantly developing. This article breaks down some key techniques to implement to give you the best chance of success at the virtual table.
Adapt to Playing Online
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Playing online poker comes without the advantage of being able to read physical clues through your opponents’ body language. Instead, look to study betting patterns and playing styles in order to build a profile of each opponent.
By identifying an opponent’s play style, you can implement some conventional ways of countering their approach.
For example, loose players tend to play more hands than average, regardless of hand strength. Consequently, a good strategy is to play stronger hands more aggressively.
On the other hand, tight players are more reserved, preferring to play only when backed by a strong hand. A great counter is to apply pressure through bluffs to make them doubt the strength of their hand and fold.
Without being able to see your opponent, the chat feature may give clues about their mental state. Toxic or confrontational messages are a clear sign of tilt and will leave the player vulnerable to tactical mistakes.
Another key difference between playing the live and virtual table is the speed at which games are played. Online poker tables deal roughly three times faster than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Be prepared for more bad beats, not because things aren’t going your way, but purely because of the game’s pace.
Remaining composed is essential to avoid tilting and compromising your bankroll by becoming overly aggressive to recuperate frustrating losses.
Learn About Positions
The seats around a table are usually split into three position categories: early, middle and late, based on turn order.
Those in early positions are disadvantaged by having to act first by either folding, calling or raising, termed ‘out of position’. On the contrary, the blinds have the advantage of acting last, termed ‘in position’.
At its core, poker is a game about making decisions. The more information you have prior to having to make your move, the better.
Knowing how best to approach a game based on your position is vital. When in an early position, remaining tight, and only playing strong, premium hands, is recommended.
Middle positions will allow you to loosen up more and expand your hand range slightly. The access to additional information before needing to make your move should allow you to better balance playing tight and loose.
Late positions are the most flexible, typically rewarding the broadest range of hand strength and play style. Speculative hands, such as suited one-gappers and small pocket pairs, can be played.
Look to exploit the information you have on other players with well-timed aggression, raises and bluffs.
Recognise and Counter the Fish
Many inexperienced players, termed ‘fish’ in the poker world, will tend to make the same beginner mistakes. Here are a few telltale ways to recognise, and subsequently counter, a fish.
Fish tend to call light by overvaluing their own hands and overlooking what their opponents might have. They are extremely suspicious of being bluffed, meaning they often call off even with a very mediocre hand.
Fish show a general reluctance to fold and will massively overplay a good hand. Look for players that call off the river with weak hands, or continuously call multiple street bets.
Another thing to look out for is the persistent placement of unconventional bet sizes. Inexperienced players often aren’t aware of the optimal bet sizes to get called with strong hands and folds with weak hands.
By placing bets that are so much larger than normal, the strength of their hand is instantly apparent. Always try to bet big and get into pots against fish and understand typical raising actions.
Mastering Your Online Poker Game
With such a huge skill ceiling, mastering online poker requires extensive practice, strategic thinking and psychological strength. Equally as important as needing the luck of the draw is an ability to implement a range of situational strategies.
A constant battle of wits is waging as each player looks to outsmart those hoping to do the same to them. The best players will constantly adjust their own style to exploit the individual playing patterns of those around them.
Whether playing for casual fun, or aiming to reach the very top, these are the best strategies to elevate your game.
But remember, it is still a game of chance – and you should never bet more than you are willing to lose. Always gamble responsibly.
