Wow - You've see it on TV. The glamour, the glitz, THE CASH!!! and you may have noticed that one of the key skills in any poker game is observation. In a live game there are relatively few distractions and you get to watch the reactions and body language of your opponents. Playing online is a whole different ball game. Theres the TV, the family, the dog, the phone, in fact it seems like the whole world wants your attention. This is not good for your game and ultimately your poker earnings. Oops you just folded that AA when you wanted to raise. Damn now you called an all-in bet with junk and you meant to fold. Dont laugh, I've done both of these and its cost me quite a few dollars!! So now youre in the Den, its quiet and at last you can concentrate. Ah, lets just reply to these emails, do that search for a new BBQ and review the excellent www.pokerwebonline.com site for the best bonus deals. Hey what do you mean Im sitting out' Multi-tasking the modern day buzz word. And a total killer for your poker profits. Its a tough enough game to beat when youre fully concentrating, on top of your game and playing the best that you can. So why handicap yourself by not giving it the attention it deserves. And have fun while youre doing it. Chat and Smack Talk while you play, you may send a player on tilt! But dont forget to concentrate, it takes a lot of focus and discipline, especially when the game is slow and youre just not getting any cards. Dont be tempted to push for some action youll lose more money quicker than that! The best way to split your attention is to play 2 or even 3 tables at a time. This guarantees that you cant focus your attention on any particular table. If you must do this, (and Im certainly guilty of it!!), play a tournament and a ring game, or 2 tournaments. Try and avoid playing multiple ring games, its just not profitable in the long run unless youre Howard Leaderer of Phil Ivey. Pick a card room and a table that suit how you play. At the lower limits thats easier said than done, but by OBSERVING whats going on, youll get a feel for the table after a few hands and for little or no expense, depending on whether you posted and went through the blinds or not. If it doesnt suit you, get up and find another table. Itll be far cheaper in the long run than trying to force the table youre on. Know when to cut and run and when to stay. As the play progresses youll notice players leaving and joining. Pay extra attention here as the fish you were milking has left and a tight aggressive player is now in their place. This could affect the complexion of the whole table and make it unprofitable to continue. Play tight, aggressive and sensibly and your bank roll will grow over time and maybe Ill see you at the WSOP!! Im All-in |
