How to Beat Play Money Poker Games Online
Millions of people enjoy playing poker online for 'play money', enjoying the game without risking any of their hard earned cash. When no money is at stake you will find many opponents do not follow what is thought of as solid poker strategy by professional players. They will often go 'against the odds' just in the name of having fun while playing.
Players motivated to beat play money poker games thus need to make strategy adjustments of their own - adjustments which will beat the crazy players over the long term, even though the short-term swings of fortune may be frustrating. This article outlines 3 tips on how to beat play money poker games online.
#1 - Pre-Flop Hand Selection
It is temping to play a large number of hands when there is no money involved. However, the most fundamental key to winning is to stay disciplined with your hand selection. In fact, players who stick to strong hands only have a huge advantage over opponents who play 'any-2'.
What is more you need to adapt your selection of hands to suit the multi-way pots and 'no folding' environment after the flop. In addition to the true premium hands, small pairs make great starting hands. If you hit a hidden set on the flop you will often be rewarded with a big pot, just do not get tempted to continue far in the hand those times you miss. Likewise, suited connectors such as 8-9 suited have potential in these games, being able to hit both straights and flushes. Unpaired high cards and separated suited cards go down in value in looser games.
#2 - Bluff Less, Value Bet More
Bluffing is a huge aspect of poker games, however without the monetary loss to fear, your opponents will often call you with weak holdings just because it is cheap to do so. By bluffing less you will save chips over time. Conversely, when you do hit a hand you should get into the habit of betting. Many players 'slowplay' when they are strong. While this has its place in a balanced strategy you will get called so often in a play money game that your long-term winnings are better served by betting right out.
#3 - Position At The Table
Position is a hugely important - and often overlooked - aspect of profitable poker strategy. If you act after your opponents you have more information on which to make a correct decision than those times when you act first. All else being equal a player who plays more hands when 'in position' than his opponents will walk away with the chips - this really is that powerful. Getting into the habit of folding some weaker hands that you might have played when you are one of the first players to act at the table, and to play more aggressively from the dealer button position will see your winnings improve.
Millions of people enjoy playing poker online for 'play money', enjoying the game without risking any of their hard earned cash. When no money is at stake you will find many opponents do not follow what is thought of as solid poker strategy by professional players. They will often go 'against the odds' just in the name of having fun while playing.
Players motivated to beat play money poker games thus need to make strategy adjustments of their own - adjustments which will beat the crazy players over the long term, even though the short-term swings of fortune may be frustrating. This article outlines 3 tips on how to beat play money poker games online.
#1 - Pre-Flop Hand Selection
It is temping to play a large number of hands when there is no money involved. However, the most fundamental key to winning is to stay disciplined with your hand selection. In fact, players who stick to strong hands only have a huge advantage over opponents who play 'any-2'.
What is more you need to adapt your selection of hands to suit the multi-way pots and 'no folding' environment after the flop. In addition to the true premium hands, small pairs make great starting hands. If you hit a hidden set on the flop you will often be rewarded with a big pot, just do not get tempted to continue far in the hand those times you miss. Likewise, suited connectors such as 8-9 suited have potential in these games, being able to hit both straights and flushes. Unpaired high cards and separated suited cards go down in value in looser games.
#2 - Bluff Less, Value Bet More
Bluffing is a huge aspect of poker games, however without the monetary loss to fear, your opponents will often call you with weak holdings just because it is cheap to do so. By bluffing less you will save chips over time. Conversely, when you do hit a hand you should get into the habit of betting. Many players 'slowplay' when they are strong. While this has its place in a balanced strategy you will get called so often in a play money game that your long-term winnings are better served by betting right out.
#3 - Position At The Table
Position is a hugely important - and often overlooked - aspect of profitable poker strategy. If you act after your opponents you have more information on which to make a correct decision than those times when you act first. All else being equal a player who plays more hands when 'in position' than his opponents will walk away with the chips - this really is that powerful. Getting into the habit of folding some weaker hands that you might have played when you are one of the first players to act at the table, and to play more aggressively from the dealer button position will see your winnings improve.
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