Top 10 Things to Avoid in Online Poker

The global gaming community is going gaga for poker. It’s the ultimate strategy-based card game, with massive numbers of players participating from the comfort of home or while on the go.

Whether you play poker on PC, Mac, or mobile, you’ll benefit from this informative guide on the top 10 things to avoid in online poker. It’s time to shuffle up and deal — the competition is intense and the stakes are high. Let’s roll!

1. Playing on unreliable platforms

This is one of the most crucial tips for both new and experienced poker players. If you’re not playing on a site with proven credibility, you’re rolling the dice before the cards are even dealt.

Gaming experts recommend that poker players register with a reputable poker platform such as Zynga Poker to ensure fair play, safety, and authenticity. Anything less is a disservice to yourself. The leading online poker platforms offer peace of mind; that’s priceless when you’re up against formidable competition. 

2. Getting into real games without any practice

Even seasoned players can get rusty in poker. It’s true – the less you play, the worse your game. That’s why poker pros recommend as much time on the virtual felt as possible. Online poker games have a unique look and feel. They are paced differently and feature elements of play that are absent in traditional poker games.

Truthfully, the only way to master the art of online poker is to play poker online. Never sit down at a table without brushing up on the most effective tactics and strategies. You can also benefit from using free poker chips to get started.

3. Multi-tabling beyond your limits

Here’s an essential tip for multitaskers in the making: Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Whenever you try to manage too many games at once, you may hit a brick wall.

There are limits to our ability to focus on multiple poker games simultaneously. Sure, multi-tabling looks impressive, but it’s a fast track to burning through chips if you’re not razor-focused. Always know your bandwidth before you try to divide your attention among too many games. 

4. Don’t ignore bankroll management

A rush of blood to the head can get you into all sorts of trouble at the poker tables. Don’t go all-in on an impulsive play. It’s important to plan your plays to generate maximum pay, even if it’s virtual chips. Impulsive betting is dangerous.

Sage advice is as follows: Set limits, play within a budget, and manage your bankroll effectively. In poker, it’s always about the long game. Avoid the rush for quick results. 

5. Never play on tilt

Bad beats happen. These are unfortunate spells of play where the fall of the cards doesn’t seem to go your way. But remember, what matters is how you handle these bad beats.

If you’re angry, excited, or frustrated, it’s better to walk away before your emotions start making decisions at the table. Play with your head, not your heart. Whenever you play on tilt, you’re risking desired outcomes.

6. Bluffing just to bluff

Now for the kicker: bluffing should be strategic, never habitual. If you’re the type of player who likes to bluff every other hand, you’re in for a rude awakening. Poker is a multidimensional game. It is played and enjoyed by tactical and strategic competitors.

If you partake in habitual bluffing, your opponents will read you like an open book. Winning poker players understand that being mercurial offers greater advantages.

7. Failing to read the table

In online poker, betting patterns and timing tell a story. Don’t just watch your hand — watch how others play theirs. Online poker games play out differently from in-person games. For one thing, you typically don’t get to see your opponents’ faces or quirks.

But there are still many ways to read the table, particularly with betting action and timing. Keep a close watch on the action at the tables and you’ll be right as rain. 

8. Overvaluing weak hands

This is a rather technical point, but it’s important in poker games. Suited connectors or mid-pairs can look decent pre-flop, but they offer no guarantee of winning. Instead, play the odds, not your gut. The best poker players advise playing premium starting hands only. Anything less can lead to ruination. Start strong and finish strong. 

9. Ignoring your virtual position

Let’s take an analogy to explain the importance of position in poker. When you purchase a home, realtors always say ‘Location, Location, Location!’ Well, in poker, your position at the table is a major factor in what you can (and should) play. Acting last is always an advantage because you get to see what others are doing before you are required to act. 

10. Getting distracted

Multitasking while playing is a recipe for mistakes. We’re not talking about multi-tabling – that’s different. In poker, multitasking is doing many different things, some not related to poker, at the same time. Remember to stay sharp, stay present, and treat every hand like it matters. Because trust the experts, every hand matters in poker games. 

These 10 things to avoid in online poker will get you into the winner’s seat more often. Apply these game hacks, tactics, strategies, and rules to gain maximum leverage from every hand. Enjoy the games!