Top 10 Rules of a Winning Poker Player
Every successful poker player has a set of rules that keep you on the right track. Follow these simple guidelines and your poker career will exceed your most daring expectations!
1) Obey the Bankroll Management
The most important advice a poker player can get is follow the bankroll management rules. Learn them, print them out, post them on your wall and repeat them like a prayer. If you play lower limits than your bankroll allows you to, you will be losing profit. If you play beyond your bankroll, you risk losing it all in a flash.
2) Do not go on tilt
.. and if you do, stop playing! If you lose control because of a bad beat or a chat insult (the best way to avoid that is simply the turn the chat feature off), you can kiss your money goodbye. Always remember that bad beats are part of the game. In the long run the best player wins and your goal is to be that best player.
3) Play with Rakeback
Poker rooms take a small amount out of the pot every time you play a hand. It is called rake. There is a possibility to get some of that rake back to your account. It is called rakeback. Depending on how much you play, this can result in thousands of dollars extra income every month. Rakeback is substantial for your bankroll. Where to get good rakeback deals? Read on!
4) Take advantage of the first deposit bonus
Most poker sites offer a first deposit bonus. What does it mean for you? Your first deposit will be matched up to a huge amount! Usually the bonus money is released in increments while you play. Choosing a poker site with a good deposit bonus can easily give you anywhere from $600 to $2500 in free cash. That brings us to the next point.
5) Choose a reputable poker site
With literally hundreds of poker rooms out there, which one is the best for you? Poker rooms vary by the amount of players, currency used, bonuses, rakeback and other special promotions. Our advice would be sticking only to reputable poker sites (Betfair, Titan Poker, PartyPoker, Full Tilt, etc.). Not only will you have thousands of players to play against, but also your funds will always be safe. Reputable sites also offer great promotions, so it truly is a win-win situation! Where to find a reputable poker room, with great promotions and rakeback? Read on!
6) Choose the right affiliate
Affiliates are special websites that give you increased rakeback and other bonuses, if you sign up through them. Reputable affiliates, such as VipPokerShop, give you the best rakeback deals at the best poker rooms. VipPokerShop also gives you special VIP Points for every poker hand you play. You can then exchange your VIP Points for free cash and free poker prizes. The prizes include laptops, TVs, mobile phones and even a trip to Las-Vegas!
7) Use HUDs
Most successful players use special software that collects and displays information on other players in real time. There are two major software packages – Poker tracker 3 and Holdem Manager. Both cost around $80, but your investment will definitely pay off very soon. Some poker affiliates give you this software for free.
8) Keep improving your game
Read poker books and articles (such as this one). Be active on the major poker forums. Sign up for coaching sites – they will dramatically improve your game for a small monthly fee. Remember to constantly improve your game to end up on the top one day.
9) Be patient
No matter how good you get, you will keep experiencing swings every now and then. Even the best players in the world can have downswings that last for months. Remember to play your best game and you will be a winner in the long run!
10) Take breaks
No matter if you are a pro or just in the beginning of your poker career, proper rest is very important. Remember that life is not all about full houses and nut straights. Take occasional breaks to cool down from bad beats and resume the game with a fresh mind.