You are sitting at the poker table. You have got a great hand, and you are feeling lucky. However, then your opponent does something unexpected: they go all in. Now you are faced with a decision: do you fold or call? You try to look at his face, see if he has any tells or signs of deception. Then it all sinks in – that is near impossible because you are playing online.

Anyone who has ever played poker knows that there is a big difference between playing online and playing in person. For one thing, online poker is much faster-paced. There is no time to think about your next move or to study your opponents’ body language. Instead, you must rely on your instincts and knowledge of the game.

Your strategies will differ a bit, too, because of the circumstances of online poker. That is why you must freshen up your online poker table strategies even if you have previously played in casinos.

That is right. In order to be successful at online poker, you need to know how to read people… virtually. This can be difficult, but luckily, we have some tips for you. Here are 7 essential online poker strategies you should be using:

1) Pay attention to betting patterns

One of the most important things to do when playing online poker is to pay attention to betting patterns. Be mindful when your opponent raises significantly when they have a good hand or if they always fold when they are bluffing, you can use this information to your advantage.

So get more in-tune with when a particular player leans towards playing tight or loose. If you notice someone playing tight, they may be more likely to fold if you make a big bet. On the other hand, someone who plays loose is more likely to call your bluff. Heed this advice, and get more poker chips rolling your way!

2) Get aggressive with limpers

In online poker, you will notice an abundance of limpers. A limper is a player who just calls the big blind instead of raising or folding. It would be best if you were aggressive when playing against limp players because they are not interested in putting any pressure on you.

So what does this mean for you? Well, you can take advantage of this by stealing their blinds more often. If you are in late position and there are a few limping players before you, make a raise. More often than not, they will fold, and you will win the pot without even having to show your cards.

3) Do not be afraid to bluff

Since online poker is played much faster than offline poker, you will have more opportunities to bluff. Moreover, since most players are not as experienced or just plain cannot see your tells, you have a better chance of getting away with it.

That being said, do not abuse this strategy, or you will be labeled a poker bully very quickly. Use it sparingly and only when you feel good about the hand. Remember, the goal is to make your opponents think twice before they call your bluff next time.

4) Take advantage of position

In poker, position is everything. The later your position, the more information you have on your opponent’s hands. This gives you a significant advantage because you can make better decisions based on their actions.

Use this to your advantage by playing more hands from late position and raising more often when you are in position. You will make more money in the long run if you play your cards right.

5) Know when to fold

This may seem like an obvious one, but you would be surprised at how many players never fold. They either go all in or call every bet, regardless of their hand. This is a surefire way to lose all of your chips.

So when should you fold? If your hand is weak and there is a high probability that someone has a better hand than you, it is usually best to just give up and keep your chips for another hand. There is no shame in folding, so do not be afraid to do it when the situation demands it.

6) Set up traps

One of the best ways to take down a big pot is to set up a trap. This is when you have a strong hand but do not want to show your cards just yet. You let your opponents bet and then raise them, giving them the impression that you are bluffing.

Of course, this only works if you have a hand that is strong enough to win. Do not try to trap someone with a weak hand, or else you will be the one getting trapped. Be patient and wait for the perfect opportunity to pounce.

7) Use promos and bonuses

Most online poker rooms offer bonuses and promotions to attract new players. These can come in the form of free tournament entries or cash bonuses. Whatever the case may be, make sure you take advantage of them.

This is free money that you can use to pad your bankroll. Just make sure you read the terms and conditions first so that you do not get caught in a sticky situation.

Sign up at GGPoker, a reputable playing site, and play poker games knowing you are in a safe environment! Start by playing free poker, master various games, and learn about poker hands first until you know you are ready for the big leagues!

Bonus tip: Do not be afraid to ask for help

If you are having trouble with your online poker game, do not hesitate to seek help from those who are more experienced than you. Plenty of forums and websites are dedicated to helping players improve their games. Utilize these resources and become better at poker games in no time!

Online is the way to go!

You can’t go wrong with these online poker tips! So what are you waiting for? Start getting better by playing now!