There are plenty of ways to start playing poker online. From virtual hangout apps to dedicated poker sites and platforms, America’s favorite card game continues to be extremely popular among online gamers. But before you can join the poker ranks, you need to be aware of the risks involved with playing online games. This brings us to the first key factor that beginners need to keep in mind before sitting at a virtual poker table.
Keep yourself safe
Safety should be your first and foremost concern, especially if you’re new to online gaming. One of the fastest ways to ascertain a poker site or platform’s safety and legitimacy is by checking its certifications. Look for an SSL (secure sockets layer) certificate, which ensures that any sensitive data you provide will be encrypted for safety against hackers. Another thing to watch for is an RNG (random number generator) certificate, which certifies that a platform’s poker software has passed independent testing for randomness and unpredictability. If a poker site, platform, or app is legitimate, you should have no trouble viewing their SSL, RNG, and other safety certifications.
You can do your part in keeping your device safe from hackers by ensuring that your operating system is updated. You should also look into using antivirus and anti-malware software that improves your device’s security. And last but certainly not least, keep your passwords secret, random, and regularly replace it with new ones. With these tips and other basic cybersecurity measures in place, you can significantly decrease the hacking risks involved with playing online poker.
Keep reference tabs open
One of the key advantages of playing online as opposed to real-life poker is the fact that you can do it from the comfort of your own computer. This will allow you to keep poker rules and strategy references handy on your browser tabs. If you’re a beginner to the game, it helps to keep a poker hands ranking chart ready for reference at all times. The humble rankings chart outlines the mathematical probability for each poker card and hand to show up in the game. Having this chart handy can go a long way towards predicting cards, using the right moves at the right times, and improving your overall playing style and strategy. While many poker sites and platforms ban unfair gaming aids, strategy and ranking references are considered fair and permissible by most.
Keep calm and rational
Another thing to watch for is the fact that online poker rooms are designed for streamlined play and fast decision-making. Don’t let this dictate the way you play. Instead, keep calm and rational by taking your time and sticking to basic poker strategies. Use the aforementioned references to help you do this to the best of your current abilities. Learn to fold when necessary so you can minimize your losses. Never bet above your bankroll, and always ensure that you have enough money for however long you’re planning to stay in the game. Whether you’re consecutively winning or losing, don’t let your emotions get the best of you. The overall goal is to lose as little as possible when you’re dealt the worst hands, as well as to win as much as possible when you’ve got the best cards. And this is much easier to pull off if you keep a calm and rational mind.
Remember: protect yourself from hackers, use your open tabs to access handy references, and try to stay as calm and as logical as possible. These are the most crucial factors to keep in mind if you want to enjoy your first forays into online poker.