Online poker is a great way to play real money games of poker from the comfort of your home. It’s available on desktop computers, laptops, phones and tablets, and can be played for a wide range of stakes — from pennies to millions of dollars.
If you’re new to online poker, there are many tools that can help you improve your game and make the most of your time at the tables. Some of these are free, while others are paid, but all can potentially increase your chances of winning at the tables and advancing your poker career.
Poker Tracking Software
Most serious online poker players use a poker tracking application to keep track of their own and their opponents’ statistics. This allows them to replay hands, find leaks in their games, and run almost any report they can imagine. It’s also a great way to see how you stack up against your competition and give yourself an edge in the game.
HUDs
Heads up displays (HUDs) are another tool that is essential to serious online poker players. These applications run continuously while you’re playing and update your information in real-time to provide the most up-to-date data possible.
This makes it easy to compare your performance to your friends, other players, and even other professional poker players. The HUDs are also able to display your hand history, giving you access to all of your previous hands without having to open the poker client.
You’ll be able to find these types of tools in the lobby of most poker sites, which is generally categorized by Cash Games, Tournaments, Sit & Go’s and special format games. Some sites even offer “beginner” tables, which are specially-seated for new players.
Rakeback
Most online poker rooms make money by taking a percentage of each pot, which is called the “rake.” In order to attract new players, some of these sites return some or all of that rake back to their players. This is a great way to make some extra money while playing the game, and it helps promote a good reputation.
These bonuses can be in the form of free play or cash prizes, but some of them are also redeemable for tournament tickets and other goodies. It’s a good idea to check out the promotions that each site offers before you start playing, as these can add up quickly.
Poker Coaching
A growing number of players are now enrolling in poker training courses. These courses are typically delivered in video format, allowing students to learn from an expert teacher who shows them hands and provides advice on how to best play them.
There are several different types of courses, with some delivering in-person classes and others being available online. These courses can be either free or paid, but both are a valuable resource for improving your game and preparing you for the world of professional poker.
Regardless of the type of course you choose, it’s always important to find one that you can access from anywhere. This way, you can learn the material in the convenience of your own home.