If you’re looking for a fun and safe way to try your hand at poker, online is the answer. While there are risks to playing poker online, such as shady sites and players who may not have your best interest at heart, it is very possible to play safe and profitable poker when using the right tools.
Poker is a game of skill over the long run, and top pros spend as much time studying the game as they do playing it. They sign up for training sites like Chip Leader Coaching or Upswing Poker, network with successful pros, and brutally analyze their games after every session. By taking the time to study the game, you’ll be able to take your poker skills to the next level.
One of the biggest challenges in poker is determining what your opponent has. In live play, you can use physical tells to gain an edge, but in online poker, you must rely on other player’s behavior to make the right decision. You should focus on analyzing how each player acts and how their seat affects their decision making process. You can also learn what type of hands your opponents are likely to play by observing their betting history.
When first starting out, it’s a good idea to play small-stakes tournaments to build up a bankroll. You should also practice heads-up play to develop the necessary skills before moving on to higher stakes.