Online poker is booming. Apart from being accessible, online poker games are gaining popularity because they are a great source of entertainment and thrill for people who want to test their mental skills and win prize money. Because of this, the online poker gaming market has increased by nearly 43% in the past few years. Additionally, the number of first-time poker players rose by 255% in the same period. It just shows that more people are interested in jumping into the game.
So if you’re interested in playing poker online, you came to the right place. Here are some tips on how you can get started with playing online poker.
Determine the type of poker you want to play
The first step is to determine the variation of poker you want to play because different poker sites and applications offer different types of games. For example, Zynga Poker is a popular poker application that allows you to Texas hold’em with friends or strangers online and delivers themed seasonal experiences. Meanwhile, 888poker offers a variety of games on its website, like Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and Sit and Go. Most of these sites also have a mobile application counterpart, letting you play anytime and anywhere using your smartphone. If you’re unsure which variation to play, it’s best to read up on each type of poker game and see which type sounds like your cup of tea.
Learn basic game rules and concepts
It’s also best to review the fundamentals of poker so you won’t feel lost during the match. There are various online resources available that can help you learn more about poker game rules. For instance, Poker Fighter is an application you can download where you can learn and develop your poker skills without worrying about your money since the game is free-to-play. Similarly, you can watch videos of professional poker players because studying their techniques and moves can give you an idea of how to be a better player. This will allow you to gain an advantage as you make your way through tournaments and cash games. But don’t feel pressured to know everything about poker in an instant. You can learn more about poker as you play along.
Keep your money secure
There are many online poker sites and applications on the internet, but not all of them are safe. So if you’re planning to play online poker with real money, make sure to play only on reliable and legal websites. In the US, the best real-money poker sites are WSOP.com and PokerStars. In most of these gaming rooms, you can join tournaments where you can win numerous cash prizes as payouts. Because these sites use real money, you’ll need to register and make an account. They will require you to input your name, address, date of birth, and social security number for security and verification purposes. Although this may seem like a lengthy process, this ensures that the money you put into the game is secure and legal, and the information is usually encrypted.
Use good gaming equipment
Besides having a high-speed internet connection, you’ll need reliable and updated gaming equipment when playing online poker. In our previous article on choosing the best gaming phone, we shared that battery capacity is always an essential factor to consider, especially for a gaming phone, since games consume more battery power. For reference, a smartphone with a 10-hour battery is considered decent, while phones with anywhere beyond the 11-hour mark are excellent. So, look for a phone with a battery capacity between 5000 to 6000 mAh. Some of the other factors you should also consider are phone display, RAM, and CPU, as they directly affect your gaming experience.
Because most people own a smartphone and some poker applications are free-to-play, getting started with playing poker online is easy and convenient for anyone who wants to try their hands at the game. Once you have the right gaming equipment and application, you’re all set to play online poker.