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When it comes to playing poker, strong players are the winners. It may seem obvious to some, but poker is much more about skill than luck. As is the case with any trade, it takes time and practice to become the best.

While it’s hard to beat the high-paced excitement of a live poker game, to truly become a master of your craft, online poker sites in the UK like the ones you can find here are a great bet. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been playing for years, there’s always room for improvement. Check out some of the tips below to see how you can become a better online poker player and walk away from more games with more winnings.

Study The Game

Since you’re reading this article, you’re already on the right track to becoming a better online poker player. There is always more to learn. Continue researching and studying all aspects of the game.

Check out popular online gambling sites to learn more about game techniques or pick up a copy of an informative book like this one to expand your online poker knowledge.

If you’ve been playing poker for years but are less familiar with enjoying the game online, take time to investigate the unique aspects of online poker. For one, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the time-bank feature, as live poker players often aren’t used to having a set amount of time to play.

You’ll also want to browse the website you’re using to become familiar with the tools and bonuses at your disposal. These could prove useful down the road.

As you continue playing online poker, take time every now and then to evaluate your own techniques to see how you can improve or do things differently next time.

Get Your Mind Right

In any competition, success is directly impacted by your mindset. If you go into a game lacking confidence, questioning your ability, and doubting your chance at winning, you’ve already lost.

Even in the comfort of your own home, a positive attitude and confidence can be the difference between winning and losing an online poker game.

Additionally, before you log on, take a minute to think about how you are feeling. Joining an online poker game as a way to escape negative emotions can have unfortunate consequences. Rather than thinking rationally, you may play a much more emotionally-charged game.

You should aim to keep your mind on track throughout the game. If you lose a big hand and feel your emotions spiraling out of control, take time to calm down before continuing. The last thing you want is to be taken advantage of because your mind isn’t in the right place.

Fold When You Need To

Especially for beginning poker players, just playing the game is exciting enough. It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and play too many hands or stay in mediocre hands.

The money you’ve put in the pot may motivate you to stay in the game longer than you should. If there is no way your hand can lead you to a win, fold right away. You’re better to move on than hang on once you know that nothing good can come of the cards in your hand.

Pay Attention

There is a lot going on in a game of poker. If you’re just starting, you’re likely paying close attention to your hand and not much else. To become a better online poker player, you should pay more attention to what is happening in front of you. Think ahead whenever possible, strategize, and stay aware.

Whenever possible, pay attention to your opponents. You may be able to catch tendencies or strategies and use them against your opponents to gain an upper hand.

Additionally, don’t succumb to distractions. Turn your phone off or put it away. Find a quiet space to play. Don’t play under the influence of alcohol. If you follow these simple guidelines, you’re more likely to succeed.

Be Realistic

Are you just playing for fun or are you hoping to get rich? If your eyes are flashing with money signs, you may be steering too far away from reality.

Once you get good at online poker, there’s a good chance you’ll start seeing some exciting prize money. But can you make enough to quit your day job? Probably not.

With small warrants, you’d have to not only win consistently, but play from sun up to sun down. If you have bills to pay or a family to support, the safer option is to enjoy your winnings in addition to the salary you make from your regular job.

Start With Low Stakes

If you’re just getting started in the world of online poker, your best bet is to play it safe. Start with low stakes while you get used to the format of the game and features of the site. While playing with low stakes, you’ll feel less pressured to perform well right away.

Additionally, playing with low stakes leaves you with more money to play with. If you go all in right away and lose it all, you won’t have any funds left to play with.

Play low stake games for a while until you’re comfortable, confident, and ready to raise the stakes. When you feel ready to move up, do so gradually and cautiously to avoid playing above your means.

Have Fun

If you’ve ever watched professional poker players during a tournament, you may have noticed how tense and serious the environment seemed to be. While playing online poker in the comfort of your own home, you should feel much more relaxed. While real funds may be at stake, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy yourself.

When all is said and done, poker is a game meant for players to enjoy. Try to avoid getting too wrapped up in the logistics, and just have fun.