10 tips for winning at online poker

PSYCHOLOGY - There are many sites, books and methods on poker. Game techniques, strategies and tips are generally well covered. You can learn to play quickly with other players, and maybe participate in tournaments later. Mastering the game and behaviors is essential! I also have several poker players among my clients, who have understood the importance of tells and non-verbal communication in general.

More and more poker players are turning to online games. Internet allowing to play at any time without leaving his living room, everyone can learn to play.

But be careful: there are things that the sites and the books don't tell you!

Beware of gambling site comparisons

Sites and blogs around poker are flourishing on the net. Many of them compare the different gaming platforms. Most of these sites live off advertising and affiliations with these major players in online poker. They are not neutral. So, beware of comparisons and the promotion of certain gambling sites over others. As in all businesses, the competition is tight and all shots are allowed.

To get off to a good start

If you are just starting out, it is important to fully understand the rules of the game, and especially to learn how to avoid mistakes that could cost you dearly. You will find the rules of the game on most sites dedicated to poker (in the different variants), including the most popular: Texas Hold'em .

Take the time to fully understand the rules, to learn the winning combinations and their order. Then, I invite you to play for free on the internet in order to familiarize yourself with the game and its rules. Choose from free online games. You can play and bet in virtual money, without taking the slightest risk.

The 10 tips you weren't told

In poker, you can win money, but also lose it. Always keep in mind that the other players also want to win. It's a world of predators. It is essential to set strict rules and never deviate from them. The slightest deviation could cost you dearly!

1. Do not exceed 15 to 20 minutes of play

Concentration drops rapidly.

2. Only play if you're fit

It is important to be in a positive and stable emotional state.

Do not play:

• if you are tired;
• if you just got up and haven't had your first coffee yet;
• if you are in a bad mood;
• if you are in too good a mood or in love;
• If you are hungry;
• if you have pain in your eyes, head or any other part of your body;
• if you are in a hurry;

at the office, between two clients, or at a time when your boss might surprise you.

3. Choose the time and place well

Sit alone in a quiet place where you will be sure not to be disturbed.

4. Always stay focused

Ignore calls, texts and emails. Everything goes fast in poker, and sometimes too fast! The slightest distraction can be fatal. Forget the television shows where the big international players talk and laugh together. If you're reading this article, you probably don't have their experience and level of play. Leave the table as soon as you feel you're not focused enough.

5. Take breaks

Breaks are essential to recharge and recover good playing skills and attention. Good breaks serve to eliminate stress.

Go for walks (take out your bike, walk the dog, go for a run in the woods or in the park, etc.);

Play sports;

Listen to music.

6. Play small amounts

Playing little is synonymous with winning little, but also losing little. It's important to keep your head on your shoulders at all times, especially in the beginning. The mistakes you make with very small amounts will teach you how to play well. They will serve as training.

Later, you can play slightly larger amounts. But always stay within reason. Before gambling for more money, always ask yourself how much you are willing to lose. Set yourself a limit and never exceed it!

7. Set yourself gambling limits

Whether your budget is 10, 100 or 1000 euros, it is absolutely necessary to set limits for yourself and immediately leave the table as soon as these limits are reached.

In case of loss : you can set a limit of 10% or 15%. Which means that your total budget will only be 8.5, 85 or 850 euros the next time you play.

In case of winning : do not be too greedy. You can be happy to have won 10% or 15%, and have 1.5, 15 or 150 euros more in your pocket.

It is important to know when to stop in time. When you've just won, an area of ​​the brain called "the reward circuitry" is literally overwhelmed with dopamine. This neurotransmitter will immediately act on your perception and on the actions that result from it.

Now you know why winning is fun. But victory is also an important source of error. Therefore, I advise you to immediately leave the table and take a break. Maybe it's time to take the dog out or enjoy the sun for a bike ride!

8. No impulsiveness

Think, take the time, don't give in to anger or revenge, always stay zen.

9. Take the time to take the time

Games in hyper or turbo timing are dangerous. Lack of time will push you to make quick and unthoughtful (or not thoughtful at all) decisions. Avoid fast games, they are dangerous.

10. Don't be intimidated by other players' profiles

Even if you don't know them and they live on the other side of the planet, you could be influenced by their profile picture (a pretty charming woman, a handsome attractive guy, a touching kitten, a big bully, etc. .) or by name (Poker-Killer, 4AS, HighPokerPro, Poker-Novice, etc.)

You might trust some people more, or distrust them, based on what you perceive of them. This reaction is normal. The process is unconscious and inevitable. We all seek to better understand our interlocutors or the people around us. So in this situation where we have little information about these people, we automatically take whatever information we find. Remember that the nice kitten can be very naughty and the Poker-Novice can be a real pro capable of taking all your chips!

In general, avoid playing in any situation where you feel negative (or overly positive) emotions, stress, or if you are hungry. So avoid playing at noon, before your lunch break or before leaving the office in the evening. You might make bad decisions unconsciously and too quickly.

And if you want to get into the game of poker, with real players in front of you, I strongly advise you to learn to decode behavior.