Of the online games you can play for money, poker gives you one of the best winning chances. Unlike games like slots, where the outcome comes down to luck, poker players can craft their fate. Once you have mastered online poker rules and coupled this knowledge with proven strategies, you should be on your way to a big win. However, this is easier said than done. We break down four fundamental tips that can help you play in the top leagues.

How to Win at Poker?

The large sums up for grabs often lure many players to go all in and cross their fingers. But poker does not work like games of chance where luck can score you a win. In this game, you must put thought into every hand you play. That’s why leaning on the following tips can score you a win:

• Understand the Game’s Rules and Rankings

When you play any game of skill, you will have the upper hand if you understand how each move affects the game’s outcome. And in poker, there are two ways you do this:

• Understand how the game works: The good news is that though the rules may seem complex, they are easy to master after a few tries. It’s best to start with theoretical knowledge before putting that know-how to the test.
• Find out how the hand rankings work: Knowing how each hand plays into the outcome helps you make good decisions in the heat of the moment. Else, you can get overwhelmed by the pressure to make your play that you end up fumbling what could have been an obvious win.

Also, you must figure out positions. It helps you gauge the hand other players have, their way of playing, and their confidence in winning the game. You can then decide what to do based on this.

• Avoid High Stakes

You can start at high stakes when you have evolved into a great poker player. But if you are a newbie or are yet to figure out how to read positions, rank hands, and even the basic rules, avoid such stakes. But why?

• It reduces your overall loss: You should think about your money management strategy in any game. The more capital you invest and lose, the harder it will be for you to stay in the game. You can even feel tempted to dip into your savings to recover from a loss. Playing at low stakes allows you to stay in the game without running the risk of exceeding your budget.
• It helps you practice: When you have learned the rules, rankings, and positions in poker, the next move is to put that knowledge to practice. And instead of wagering high amounts, it’s best to start with smaller stakes that barely dent your budget.

Furthermore, playing at low stakes helps you build your confidence, as you will not be preoccupied with the possibility of losing. You will know you have enough money to play again if you lose and will not feel the hurt of preceding losses.

• Play Less Competitive Games

When you are playing for money, it’s best to avoid games where the odds are against you. For example, if you have recently mastered the rules, it would not make much sense to play against a player who’s been in the game for a decade. They can read you from a mile away and will likely walk away with all your money.

The easier approach (and more profitable one) is to play against people who are worse off than you are. And a great place to start would be in recreational rooms where players barely know the rules and are likely to lose to you. Occasionally, play against people in your ranking and those above you so you can learn from the best. But in such cases, play low stakes to avoid losing what you have earned in your previous games.

• Be Wary of Bluffing

Even if you have not played poker, you are likely aware of the term “bluffing.” It’s all about making your opponents believe that you do not have a decent hand when you do. And while this strategy has proven effective for many players, you should avoid doing it so much as you can end up digging yourself into a hole. 

As a newbie, it’s best to play when you have a hand and fold when you do not. Later on, you can work on perfecting semi-bluffs and bluffing when necessary. Just avoid overdoing it, as this strategy can work against you.

A good way to approach poker is to be patient. There is a lot to learn, and you will likely play against players who have had years to learn what you may be trying to learn in days. Take your time with each decision; you should clinch a win soon enough.

Finally, assess your emotional state before playing any game. Whenever you are experiencing deep emotions like sadness, anger, or euphoria, you are likely to make rookie mistakes. If you are not emotionally stable, avoid playing cash games.