Author: horse-racing-free-tips

If you heard about this and you are not quite sure what it means, then you have to know first that these kinds of games are the exact opposite of their title. Play money games are games where players actually fake playing for real money. Instead of money they have fake chips that are used to stimulate a real money poker games. The top purpose of these games is entertainment, but there is also an ulterior purpose, and that is initiating beginners in the world of internet poker.

You can find all around the world many more play money poker player than player that use real money. The main reason is the fact that many people like poker but are first trying to get better at it and have fun at the same time. Play money games have two distinct purposes: help a person understand the poker rules and help him accommodate to the poker software used for online games. But the thing they lack is an important one: also they are quite successful in teaching you poker, they fail when it comes to strategy and skills. The lack of real money makes most players play loose and just for fun so strategies are rarely applied.

If you intend to get better poker skills, then playing these games a lot is not the answer. Constantly entering play money games will only make you develop play money skills and you might get very good at them and even win all the time. However, this doesn’t mean you will do the same in games with real money involved. In fact, it is quite possible that as your play money skills climb, your real money skills might deteriorate. You can gain bad habits for real money poker when playing a lot of play money games.

The fist thing is that you will get accustomed to playing all hands. This happens mostly because you have nothing really to worry about in play money games and you will try anything knowing that. But if you were playing a real money game and you will find someone to call you all-in bet when they have a 2d, 3c hand and the board doesn’t really help them. In a plat money game, people will do that, just for fun. The virtual money is easily given away by players, they can be quite generous, but this doesn’t make them generous with their real money too, so don’t get that impression.

Everyone does it but very few do it well. The poker bluff is a refined skill, something that can tilt a game in your favor if used sparingly and at the right time.

In order to learn when is the right time to use your bluff we first have to study the behavior of the other players in the game. It is important to understand the betting habits of those at the table with you in order to execute a well timed bluff. First, establish yourself as a consistent player, show the others playing with you that you don’t make a bad habit of raising when you are holding a pair of deuces or holding back and calling with a full house. Establish your table character so you can use your bluff effectively.

Once you feel you have established your betting identity at a given table and have a good read at the betting habits of others you are now ready for your first bluff. The two players you have marked as quick betters raise with their first bets while at the same time those you have marked as “rocks” or conservative betters have either called or folded leading to your ideal bluff scenario. Start off with a conservative raise as you are not trying to scare off the “maniacs” still in the game. If the quick betters once again raise you are now set to begin betting aggressively with the intent of either building the pot or scaring of those faint of heart.

At this point the knowledgeable players remaining in the game will either decide it is time to fold or will counter with a call. The novice player marked as a “maniac” will se too enthralled with the size of the pot to back out at this time which is exactly what you were hoping for.

The ideal bluff strategy is what is called a semi-bluff, where you may be holding a pair of low numbered cards that offer you a change at winning the pot against the “maniac” bluffers simply waiting for all the other players to fold.

Using a well executed bluff will also help you with your strong hands, as now the possibility of you bluffing has been shown to the other players. They may go deeper into a game with an average hand knowing there is the possibility you are playing another bluff. Use the bluff sparingly and you time at the table will be much more enjoyable and profitable!

Online poker tournament play can be a daunting experience for even the most seasoned veteran so when you are ready to get started in tournament play it is best to have a solid strategy and that you have taken the time to get comfortable with tournament play.

There is a philosophy used by many musicians that can be applied to preparing for tournament play. Musicians may spend hours in their rehearsal space pretending they are on stage at Madison Square Garden or Carnegie Hall, preparing themselves for the experience by imaging themselves in it. The same philosophy can be used in preparing for tournament play. Start with single table tournaments and pretend you are at the final table at the World Championship. Every chip is precious as is ever move you make, apply this simple philosophy to your early single table tournament play and it will help you develop the skills needed later on when you make the move to multi table tournaments.

A smart strategy to use when beginning at single table tournaments is to play only premium hands in the first three rounds. Slowly open up and play more hands and get more aggressive as the tournaments continues and as shorter handed the tournament becomes.

By slowly building your bankroll and getting within one or two spots from the money it is easier to rob the more desperate players trying to make their money back. Play aggressive at this stage and jump on the chance at taking more of their chips!

As with your standard online poker play, you should always stick to your strategy. Fold often, use you bluff sparingly and always be aware of the habits and tells of the other players involved in your game. Be prepared and aware of what types of players are playing at your table and use their habits against them. Studying the other players early in the game will arm you with valuable information that will help you deep into the game. Playing a few early bluffs may be an effective tool in your strategy as can early folds. Your aggressive play should increase deeper into the game but, at the same time, you should be playing a smart disciplined game. It is easier to get aggressive when you feel in control of the game, so study, study, study!

Finally, never get yourself into a tournament you are not prepared for! Build your skills and get comfortable with the experience before jumping in.