Playing online poker requires little effort and sometimes even less thought as many players aimlessly meander through poker tournaments hoping luck will allow them the chance to win. The true way to win online poker tournaments is to apply 10 basic skills to improve your odds and take the guesswork out of the game.
1. Minimize The Gamble
Before you choose to play a hand pre-flop or to chase your draw after the flop, ask yourself, am I willing to risk all my chips on this hand? Minimize the gamble in the game.
2. Seize Opportunities
Keep an eye out for good opportunities to make more money ion the pot. Does your opponent always bluff? Does he always make continuation bets even when he misses? Seize the opportunity and make a play against your weaker players.
3. Focus On Your Game
Spend more time focusing on your game instead of worrying how many chips the chip-leader has, or how the guy next to you keeps stealing your blinds. Focus on your best plays and take action!
4. Avoid Early All In Confrontations
While many players look to double up early in a poker tournament, You should avoid these dangerous situations and slowly build up your poker chips in a steady manner. The real play comes when you get close to the money NOT in the first few levels of play.
5. Know Your Opponents
Are you playing against a lot of skilled and experienced players? Or is everyone a newbie? Take note to know who you are up against. It allows you a better chance of making the right decision if you know your opponent will fold, check or call when you make your play.
6. Utilize All Known Facts
Poker is a game of information, and having perfect information and knowing all the facts in each hand you are involved will also give you the right opportunity to make the right decision. Do not ignore the facts, use them to your advantage.
7. Aim For A Deep Run
You can only make a deep run in a poker tournament if you aim high and do not allow yourself to get heavily involved in situations that will cripple you. For example, if you play a suited connector and miss, costing you a large portion of your chips, then you may not have enough poker chips to protect your hand when you get a big pair like Kings or Aces.
8. Pick A Spot, Make A Stand
At times you will need to commit your poker chips in order to successfully make it deeper. You need to pick a spot and make a stand against your opponents. If you make it a habit to always check fold or limp call, you are not making a stand and likely will end up finishing outside the money.
9. Final Table Hero Play
Once you make the final table (or even the money) Do not resort to being a hero and try to knock out everyone else. Just because a short stack moves all in, does not necessarily mean you are obligated to call him. One of the worst situations you can have at a final table is doubling or tripling a shortstack. Remember, he can always come back to knock you out!
10. Use The Best Secret To Win
Ultimately, finding the best secret to win online is in understanding the poker software, understanding your opponents and understanding how to play against both.
Finally, the best secret to win online poker is to take time to practice and hone your skills. Learn more about how the poker algorithms work and how players play. You can be a better player in any online poker tournament by simply following these 10 great poker tips.
