Online Poker
Getting Started
When you play poker online, you'll be up against other people from all over the world and you'll be able to find thousands of willing opponents at any time of the day or night.
To get started simply download the poker software (always free) from your chosen site and then deposit your stake money from your credit card. From there on it's usually only a few clicks of the mouse to choose your game, choose your table and begin to play.
For the latest information, lots of extra resources and links to recommended poker sites, please visit www.playingpokertowin.co.uk
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding online poker.
What do sites charge to enter real money games?
There is no charge for entry into cash games - the sites make their money by taking a small percentage of each pot, called a rake. Tournaments have buy-in fees ranging from one pound or dollar up to thousands, although typically less than 10% goes to the house.
How much will it cost me?
You can play at any level of stakes you choose. The smallest games might have blinds of a few pence, with average pots of around a few pounds. The largest games frequently have four or even five figure pots!
How does the betting work?
On your screen, you will see four different buttons, up to three of which may be visible at any one time:
- Check (if there hasn't been any bet ahead of you).
- Fold (if there has been a bet ahead of you).
- Call (if there has been a bet ahead of you).
- Bet / Raise.
There is a separate control accompanying the last of these which allows you to specify the size of your bet or raise (although this won't be present in fixed-limit games). This control normally takes the form of a 'slider', although some sites also allow you to type in a number or select from a list. You need to set your bet size before pressing the 'bet' button. If you make a mistake and press the wrong button, tough - you can't change your mind. So be very careful.
Most sites also have checkboxes which allow you, should you know what you're going to do, to select an action in advance. The most useful of these is the advanced fold button, although you will often know you're going to call too (you are prompted again if a raise occurs after you've decided to call). Using the advanced action buttons keeps the game moving nice and quickly, but see our comments on the potential downside of this in the next chapter on online strategy.
How do my winnings get paid?
Poker sites usually pay your winnings either by crediting your credit card or by sending you a cheque. Some sites also support other electronic payment mechanisms that don't rely on you having a credit card.
Is there anywhere I can play for free?
Almost all of the major poker sites have free tables where you can win and lose for as long as you like, for absolutely nothing (hopefully learning a thing or two in the process). Playing on free tables is a good way to learn the basics and familiarise yourself with the game. Having said that, the free tables are where the inexperienced players go, so the hike in playing level increases pretty steeply once you start playing for real.
How do I graduate to money tables without it costing too much?
You can sit down and play at the very cheapest cash games with just a few pounds. However, you must always be prepared to lose what you have in front of you. If you want to minimise your exposure to an absolute minimum, you might decide to start with tournaments. You'll only be liable for the initial buy-in, which can be as low as $1, but there's still be real money to play for so you'll get good games. Don't forget that tournament strategy is quite different from cash game strategy though.
Is it safe to play online?
From the point of view of money and credit card security, yes, it's very safe - providing you play with large, reputable and properly licensed companies.
Which is the best site?
Which site is the best is largely a matter of personal preference. The two main factors you should consider are (a) playing community; are there enough people playing your favourite game, at your preferred stakes, and (b) the quality and usability of the software; is it easy and intuitive to play, or is it a pain. There's a lot of variation in this respect.
Is there a lot of cheating going on?
Not really, and especially not at the low stakes because it isn't really worth it. Issues concerning (and attitudes to) security and honest play are usually published by each individual site.
How do I recognise other players?
Every player has their own alias on each website, which is the name by which they're always known on that site. Players are not normally able to change their alias, so you can always recognise those you've encountered before, and zthey can recognise you too.
Can I communicate with other players?
Yes, assuming your chosen site offers a chat facility. Many poker players use a form of chat shorthand to communicate, for example nh means nice hand and ty means thank you.
If you do use the chat facility, don't let it distract you, don't use all capitals (shouting), and always be polite and friendly.
What if I need to stop playing for a short while?
Most sites have a 'sit out' feature. They also have rules about what happens when it's your turn but you fail to act. If you're going to be away for a long time then you normally have to give up your seat.
What happens if I lose my connection?
If the entire game server crashes then, typically, all games are cancelled and all chips in play will be refunded. However, disconnections are more likely to be caused by problems your end, when you lose your internet connection for some reason.
Usually the site will give you a short time in which to reconnect and rejoin your game. If you don't turn up for a while, some sites will create a side pot for you while the other players continue betting.
Deliberate disconnections (because you're losing) are another case entirely. Online sites monitor disconnections continuously, and if you're found guilty you can be blacklisted - so don't even think about it!
Can I pull out if I'm losing?
You can get up and leave a cash game whenever you like, although it's not recommended during the middle of a hand since you'll forfeit any money you've already put in the pot. Deliberate disconnections are covered above.
In tournaments, once you've paid the buy-in, you can't get your cash back unless you make it to the prize places.
Anything else I should know?
Yes - always check the house rules on betting, disconnects, etc. before you play. And if you use a cordless mouse, make sure it doesn't run out of battery power at an awkward moment.
