Online Poker for Beginners - 10 Tips to Get You Started

1. Don't try to learn everything before you start playing. If you're the type that "over-researches" things, remember that the best way to learn anything is by doing it. Get the basics down - like how the hands are ranked and how the bets proceed - and then start playing. That's the best way to really learn online poker.

2. Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements for the poker site's software, and keep the software up to date, with all upgrades installed. This is a good practice for a lot of reasons, including bug fixes and maybe even new bonuses offered when you upgrade.

3. Make sure you're comfortable at the computer. Sit in a good chair, make sure your screen is easy to see, and have food and drink nearby if you need it. This might seem obvious, but if you're going to be spending long hours playing poker at your computer, you need to be comfortable. If you aren't, you'll be distracted and your play will suffer.

4. Don't turn the computer's speaker volume all the way down. You may like quiet because it helps your concentration, but if you miss a signal - like the "It's your turn now!" alarm - it could be a problem. You don't have to have the volume all the way up, but make sure it's high enough for you to hear all the alarms.

5. Even if you've played offline, when you're first playing online poker start with the free games. You may be tempted to jump right in with actual money. But free games are a better choice in the beginning, and here's why:
- They help you learn how the site and the software work.
- You don't have to quit if you run out of money, so you can play longer, and that will help you learn more.
- You can learn the mechanics of the game and try different strategies without worrying about losing real money in the process.

6. If you're really nervous about playing, then don't even play - just watch for a while. Sometimes it helps to watch what happens and how play proceeds before you actually participate.

7. Even if you're playing poker for free, take your games seriously. First of all, when you win, it'll feel good and you'll be encouraged to keep playing. And second, you're developing habits and strategies that will carry over to "real money" play; if those habits are bad ones, you'll lose real money.

8. Take notes, or keep a journal of what worked - and what didn't. The site may have hand records you can access to help you with this.

9. Stay focused. Distractions will affect your play, and that can affect whether you win or lose, especially when you're just starting out. To be more specific:
- Don't have other windows open while you're playing online poker. This will just tempt you to surf or do other work when you should be either playing or watching how the game progresses.
- Don't listen to music, talk on the telephone, watch television, or socialize (with people in the room with you or the other poker players).
- Don't play when you're drunk, especially if you're playing "real money" poker. It may seem like a natural thing to have a few beers, just like when you're watching sports on television. But if you're participating in a poker game - not just watching - this is a really good way to lose money.
- If you're not feeling up to par - either physically or emotionally - don't play poker. Your judgment won't be very good. If you're playing for free, you'll just make mistakes, and if you're playing for money, you'll lose more than you would have if you were feeling better. Either of these can be disheartening for a beginner.

10. Try different sites to get an idea of how they operate. Don't just stick with the first one you come across. You may find one you like better.

And here's a bonus tip - have fun! A lot of people take their gaming really seriously, even if it's not for money. Playing poker online, for real or even virtual money, can sometimes become intense. So don't forget to enjoy yourself. You'll improve your attitude, and that will almost certainly improve your winnings as well.