FAQ's

POKER FAQ'S (PART 2 OF 2)


Q. How can I bluff successfully playing online poker?

A. Bluffing online is without a doubt a more difficult task than
bluffing at a casino table. When sitting at a table, a player who exudes
confidence can bluff simply through controlled demeanor. When playing poker
online, you lose this edge. Bluffing online is best done when in
position. Being able to see how the players ahead of you react makes it
easier for you to bluff. For example, a player ahead of you raises pre-flop.
You have J-10 suited and make the call. The flop comes 7h-3s-8d. It is
unlikely that your opponent will have hit on this flop, but he could be
ahead of you with a better pre-flop hand. Take a stab at a pot like
this and evaluate your opponent's reaction. Make a small raise that looks
like you want a call. If he folds, you likely win with the worse hand.
If he calls, you're setting yourself up for a larger bluff on the turn.
If he re-raises, it might be a good time to get away from the hand.

The best way to bluff successfully online is by knowing the betting
habits of your opponents. Take notes while you're playing so that you have
an idea of what your opponent typically holds when making a certain
type of play. Bluffing is an excellent poker strategy, but don't let it
take over your game; the cards still matter in the end.


Q. How can I better prepare myself for online tournament play?

A. This is an incredibly popular question. The majority of online play
revolves around low-level money games; however, online tournaments
offer a serious upside as they can help you qualify for larger events with
huge buy-ins. Keep in mind that players like Greg Raymer and Chris
Moneymaker won their way into the World Series of Poker through online
tournaments. Most online poker services offer daily free-roll tournaments.
Although free tournaments tend to attract a lot of amateurs, they offer
a great way for serious players to acclimate themselves to the style of
play associated within online tournaments.


Q. I feel like I'm winning a lot of the time online, but I never seem
to make money. What am I doing wrong?

A. It is common to win a lot of the time, but lose the occasional large
pot. The result is that you feel like that you're not making money
based on your level of success. This could be a result of your inability to
leave the table when you're up. Try giving yourself a "profit floor."
Tell yourself that if you get up by half your buy-in, you're going to
log-out. If you stick to this plan, you can slowly teach yourself to quit
when ahead. A number of solid poker players don't make the money they
should because they simply play too much. Everyone has dry spells. The
idea is to avoid as many as possible by playing somewhat strict poker.


P.S. Compliment's of a weekly newsletter I recieve.


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