Basic Online Poker Strategy

No matter what form of online poker you are playing, there are some basic strategy tips that every player should adhere to. Although it is true that every situation is different and a player needs to evaluate what strategy to use and when, there are some guidelines that apply to most situations.

The first basic strategy is how to use positioning to your advantage. Every hand the dealer button moves and every player's position switches. It is far more advantageous to be nearer to the button rather than further from it. If you are fortunate enough to be in the dealer's spot then you can see every other player's bet on a given hand before they see yours. In other words you can evaluate the hand and decide whether a bluff might be successful. For instance, while playing five card draw if everyone were to check the initial hand then you might be wise to give a good raise. Afterwards you can trade in one card and let everyone assume you have either two pair, or a flush or straight draw. Then the next round if you bet big the chances are that everyone at the table will fold. Had you been in the first position then you would not know what you were up against and might end up betting big against another player with a winning hand. By being the dealer you have an advantage over everyone.

Also the players near the dealer have an advantage because if the dealer should fold then they would become the last positioned player. For this reason it might be worthwhile, with a decent starting hand, to try to bet the dealer out. If you become the last positioned player then you will get the dealer's advantage, even if you are not in the dealer's spot. Be wary though, if the dealer has a good hand then he might stay in and destroy your advantage.

Other than positioning, the artery of every online poker player's skill is the ability to read their opponents. You must pay attention to their every move and every bet so as to gain an advantage on them when they start to repeat themselves. Even the best of players will fall into a pattern with their betting, and knowing their pattern will reveal what they are hiding in their hands. Sometimes it pays to call a hand you know you will lose, just to see what the other player was working with. Soon you will be able to read his every move and the next time you will be able to either bluff him out, or take him for everything he is worth.

There are many other strategies used in online poker, but again, each situation is different. It takes a master to know when to employ what strategy and to be able to do it without a moment's hesitation. Your best bet at reaching this level of skill is to keep practicing. Experience is the best strategy of all and it will take you to levels you never thought you would reach.