10 Top Tips and Advice for Winning Online Poker

Basics of Developing a Winning Online Poker Strategy

1. Practice makes perfect

Make sure you understand the basic rules of the game, so keep reading to the end. Then do some more reading.  But ultimately you've got to go to one of the top poker sites and practice to get good!  So try one of our recommended sites, deposit some money and then play on the small stakes tables until you start feeling more confident.  There is no substitute for practice.  That's our number one online poker tip.

2. There's different types of practice!

The problem with free simulations is that they are not real.  It's the equivalent of playing Medal of Honour and then being called up to military service.  Just because you're doing well in free tables doesn't mean you'll be as good in real money.  I'd suggest you play real money, low-stakes, to get the hang of things.  Otherwise it creates a false sense of 'security'.  It's honestly amazing how different you'll find it, and way, way more interesting.  Online poker only kicks in once real money is on the table.

3. Remember there are sharps out there

These days most people call them sharks.  Either way, there will be people lurking wanting your money.  But likelihood is, in an online world of billions, you'll be playing against a student like yourself, or someone with a similar ability.  But beware, don't start throwing hundreds of dollars into one bluff, you might just be taking their bait.  Again, practice on the small stakes tables first until you feel comfotable with winning more regularly.

4. Don't be a push-over!

Ok, so you don't want to throw away a ton of money, but you don't want to bleed it either.  One of the most common mistakes I see of new players is that they're so scared of losing the initial deposit, they make it a reality.  Poker isn't like a casino, you have more control than you think over outcomes - its why so many people are professionals - take a stand, don't get bullied and when you know you've got a good hand or see a bully, take them down!

5. Keep your cool

If you do suffer a 'bad beat' then you'll be in the club with the best in the world.  Shit happens.  Check out the video section to see what I mean.  But don't go crazy aggressive (or passive) in the next hands.  Keep your cool and your game plan.  Like any sport, if you stay cool, you'll probably come out on top.  I'll write more about this in my student poker blog.

6. This is a student poker community

Remember to ask others for help, or relate you're experiences so others can learn from you too. Try playing some off-line poker too, it all helps. Take advantage of our resources though, and don't fail to use the bonuses we've got to offer you.  Student poker can be really rewarding, but only if you put something into it.

7. Research!

You're probably sick of the idea already, but researching things are an amazing way to gain an advantage. You can buy a book pretty cheaply these days, targeted specifically to the novice, intermediate or advanced online poker player. Just type in your favourite poker player into Amazon and I'm sure they'll have a book out. The reason that might be better than a generic book, is if you've seen them play and like them, you're more likely to understand their style of play.

8. Watch and learn

It sounds simple, but seeing how pros play their hands will really help you to improve your game. You'll unconsciously pick up how they react to hands and how they play them, begin to know whether you appreciate the more aggressive or trapping play for example, and eventually you may even sit next to them by a table one day! Check some out in the videos section.  These are the poker pros, and some were student poker players!

9. Believe it's possible

I swear to you, I know people (unfortunately not me) who've gone on to awesome, lucrative and enjoyable careers within months playing online poker. It's not for everyone, but until you've given it a good go, you won't know will you? And because it tends to last a long time, and is really entertaining, it works out easily as good value for money as a few pints down the pub.  See this blog on my further justification for saying that.

10. Tell us!

We are a student poker community, so this spot is for you to tell us what you think is a golden tip for others. Whether its where to play, how to play or when to play, go to the community page now and add your comments. Thanks!