Click to view a list and previews of online poker rooms
For many years, centuries in fact, poker had pretty much exactly the same form. Of course, there were subtle changes in rules and even in card rooms where the game is played. But for the most part, it remained fairly unchanged. That is, until the end of the 20th century where the internet created enormous changes for poker. Changes that have had a good impact on the popularity of poker and one of the reasons why some of you are reading this article just now, and, quite possibly, why this site was created also - due to the boom in poker popularity through internet exposure.
Now you can learn about poker, chat with people about poker, read about poker and, of course, you can play poker anytime you want from the comfort of your own home. With the fact that online poker is so easily accessed, it has helped in creating the fastest expansion in new players that has ever been seen. key points as to why it has become so popular is that yes, you can play from the comfort of your own home, office or hotel room sitting in your underwear (or whatever way you like), whenever you want while you try to qualify through a satellite for the WSOP or even play in a $2 10 man sit-n-go with other players such as 'bluffer666', 'gotta raise' and 'bettys grandmother.' Also, online play allows you to get in more than twice as many hands per hour than conventional live games and even some sites allow you to play for free as long as you meet certain targets.
Online poker is certainly a must to try at least, especially if you are a beginner and looking to learn the game, as you can educate yourself by playing in small stakes and if you are not very good to start with, it is a small price to pay to gain vital experience and get some playing time behind you.

ONLINE POKER STRATEGY

We'll begin by talking about 10-handed texas hold 'em (by far the most popular game on the internet, especially limit hold 'em). Then we'll cover the best strategy for five-handed games and finally we'll talk about 'heads up' hold 'em games.
In online limit hold 'em, it is a fast moving game for a fast moving society as players seem to move in and out of games more quickly. Sometimes playing in their lunch breaks, or squeezing in an hour of play before dinner which makes tables line ups change frequently with little chance to figure out how a certain player plays or if there are and patterns in their play. You then need to identify what type of players they are in general terms. Are they crazy and unpredictable, calling station, tight player or skillful and very tough. Pay extra attention to hands where cards are shown at the end of a pot and identify how they played the hand and identify through the information you receive what type of player this individual is and play them accordingly. You will also be able to identify what type of players are through the number of pots they play and add this to the information you receive through the hands they show. For example, if you notice a certain player hasn't played a hand or got involved in a pot in a while, the early evidence shows that this player could possibly be a tight player who plays very conservatively. Obviously, the same applies to the players that are playing you online. They only know about you what you let them know through your play. At this point, one thing that could be important to all forms of poker including online play is:

'don't give people extra information they are not entitled too. ie only show your cards when they need to be seen.'

The time where showing your cards could be beneficial is when you could show your strong starting hands to give the impression you are a very tight player where this would allow you to bluff more pots successfully but until you are an experienced player it is best not to give your opponents any extra information. Also, be aware that in lower-limit games, it is very hard to bluff someone out of the pot at the end due to the small price they have to pay to call you.
Other things to watch for include the amount of time a player takes to make a decision. A 'good' online tell is whether or not a player bets his hand right away. Occasionally you can work out if a quick bet means a big hand or a bluff. A quick bet is usually a sign of weakness and a slow bet is a sign of strength.
Love it or hate it, the internet has made an indelible mark on the poker landscape. More people are learning about poker and playing it because of the ease of access to learning tools and free or low-stakes games online. And it seems there won't be any turning back...the internet is here to stay.

Select for 10 handed limit games, 5 handed games or heads up limit hold 'em strategy:

10 handed strategy

5 handed strategy

heads up limit strategy

If you would like online strategy for other forms of poker, simply follow the sections on beginners strategy in each game in the 'How to play poker' section.

Best Online Poker