Online poker has taken a long time to mature and evolve from the back rooms of smoky bars. It is now available on desktop computers, tablets and mobile devices. It offers a vast array of game options from play for free to satellite entries into the world’s best live events. Players can play at any stake level from the smallest to the largest and anywhere in between.
The online poker landscape has changed considerably since I entered the industry in 2004. Back then there were only a few poker forums worth visiting, a limited number of pieces of poker software and a handful of books that deserved a read. Today, the poker learning landscape is completely different with an infinite number of poker forums, Discord channels and FB groups to join as well as hundreds of poker programs you can use to train, study and tweak your game.
As for the poker itself, players can now play at any table, anywhere in the world, at any time of day or night. This gives players unparalleled choice and convenience, but it can also create new opportunities for abuse and addiction. As such, it is vital for players to understand the risks and learn how to stay in control.
One of the most important factors when playing poker is knowing how to manage your bankroll. This includes setting a budget, viewing the game as entertainment rather than a money-making opportunity and monitoring your wins and losses. By implementing these practices, you can enjoy online poker responsibly without putting yourself under financial stress.
Another key factor is developing a good poker studying routine. This includes having a plan for how much poker you will study per week and ensuring that you are getting the most out of your time spent away from the tables. While it is possible to improve your poker knowledge with self-study alone, structured lessons can help you save time and get more out of your efforts.
Lastly, you must be patient when it comes to moving up the stakes. It is normal to lose a few sessions when you start to play higher stakes. However, you should not take it personally and remember that your win-loss ratio will eventually even out over a large sample size. This is a crucial lesson for any poker player and should be remembered at all times when dealing with bad beats or coolers.