When you play poker online, you’re competing against players in a different location, with their own unique characteristics. There’s a lot to process, including the size of your opponent’s chip stack, their betting pattern and even their physical traits. These factors can have an impact on how your hand plays out and you must learn to be aware of them.
The first thing to remember about poker online is that it’s fast paced. With a clock ticking, the overwhelming nature of poker sites and the massive number of buttons it can be easy to lose focus and make mistakes. Taking your time is essential, especially when you are new to the game. It is better to play fewer hands than risk making a mistake that could cost you your entire bankroll.
You also need to be focused on your surroundings, and the distractions that can creep in when you’re playing poker online. Whether it’s checking your email, streaming a video or simply leaving the room to get food or drink, these non-game related things can be a major distraction that causes you to lose focus and potentially make foolish mistakes.
Finally, you need to be able to read your opponents, and that requires an excellent understanding of poker tells. Watching experienced players to see how they play and how they react is the best way to build up your own instincts about your opponent’s tendencies. This can help you to develop quick instincts and improve your decision-making at the poker table.