Online poker offers convenience, game variety, and higher hand volumes than live play. Success requires understanding platform differences and leveraging available tools.
Choosing a Poker Platform: Major platforms include PokerStars, GGPoker, partypoker, and 888poker. Evaluate based on game selection, player pool softness, software quality, and rakeback programs. Research reviews and withdrawal reliability before depositing.
Tracking Software: Tools like PokerTracker and Hold'em Manager display statistics on opponents and track your results. HUDs (Heads-Up Displays) show opponent tendencies during play. These tools are legal and essential for serious players.
Key Statistics to Monitor: VPIP (Voluntarily Put money In Pot) and PFR (Pre-Flop Raise) reveal opponent playing styles. Aggression frequency, 3-bet percentages, and fold-to-3-bet stats expose exploitable tendencies. Study statistics between sessions to understand opponents.
Database Review: Regularly review your own statistics to identify leaks. High VPIP suggests playing too loose. Low aggression indicates passive play. Compare your stats to winning players at your stake to identify discrepancies.
Multi-Tabling Strategy: Start with 1-2 tables and gradually increase as you maintain win rate. Most players peak at 4-8 tables depending on game type. Tournaments allow more tables than cash games due to slower pace.
Table Layout and Ergonomics: Arrange tables logically on your screen, minimizing mouse movement. Use hotkeys for common actions (fold, call, pot bet). Comfortable seating and proper monitor height reduce fatigue during long sessions.
Managing Attention: With multiple tables, prioritize difficult decisions over routine ones. Time banks allow extra thinking time for critical spots. Don't sacrifice decision quality for hand volume.
Note-Taking Systems: Record opponent tendencies you observe. Note unusual plays, emotional behavior, or exploitable patterns. Review notes before playing against tagged opponents.
Internet Connection: Stable, fast internet is non-negotiable for serious players. Disconnections during big pots cost money. Have backup internet (mobile hotspot) available for critical sessions.
Table Selection Online: Observe tables before sitting. Seek high VPIP averages, full tables, and recreational player indicators (low hands played, unusual screen names). Leave tables when games get tough.
Responsible Gaming: Online poker's convenience can encourage excessive play. Set time and loss limits. Take regular breaks. If you hide your poker playing from family or neglect responsibilities, you may have a problem. Seek help if needed.