Learning to Play Poker Online

If you have never played poker before in the real world (non-internet), then I strongly recommend that you do that first.  It's not that its more complicated playing poker online. Its just that people will have less patience than in the real world.

Not too many people in online poker rooms are known for their patience.  So it's best to get the fundamentals down, while you are playing with your friends in a friendly game, before you start taking on the die-hard poker players in the online poker rooms.

If you do have some experience with poker and you know all the rules, then there really isn't that much of learning curve if you want to play poker online.

You have to remember first that there are a lot of people on the internet who know they are anonymous, and will not have the most polite table etiquette.  After a while, you'll get used to it.

The other thing you'll notice is that there are a lot more bullies in online poker compared to the traditional games. Players really like to go "all-in" a lot more than you're used to.  This can work to your advantage.  There are many tricks to dominating online poker hands. A great informational book on the subject is Online Poker Advantage. It really takes you through the step by steps that most inexperienced online players have to go through.

It really goes without saying that Texas holdem is, by far, the most popular poker game that is being played online. If you are just still just playing draw or stud, you're going to have to learn this kind of poker, otherwise you're not going to find too many games to join.

If you are not familiar, you can probably turn on ESPN 2 as they show previous years of the world series of poker on a constant basis.  One hour after watching and you'll have the rules down pat.

Also if you are to new to playing poker online, please don't act like you're going to be a millionaire within the next week.  First things first.  Make sure that you have a good time.

Even when you lose, try to treat it as some form of entertainment.  I know nobody likes to lose money playing poker, but if you treat the whole experience as fun, you will become a better poker player.

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