Transitioning from “real world” or brick-and-mortar Texas Hold ‘Em poker playing to online poker can be tough for a lot of us. The vast majority of us played our first hand of Hold ‘Em poker with a physical deck of cards, sitting down at a kitchen or coffee table with our family or friends. In that environment, you can see the players, there is very little pressure involved, and each player can move at their own pace when it is their deal. That is certainly not the case in the online poker world, where gameplay is fast and furious, watching your opponents for tells is not an option, and the pressure of playing anonymous icons in a time-limited fashion can be a little scary.

For those players just beginning their online poker playing careers, their excitement and enthusiasm can often get in the way of smart play, creating a bad taste in their mouths during their initial online poker foray. How can a beginning online Hold ‘Em poker player ensure they are getting their chips in good? By strictly following a strong basic online poker strategy, many bad decisions are removed as options, and your bankroll has a much better chance of building. If you are a beginner in the online world of Texas Hold ‘Em poker, follow the basic tips below, and you will put yourself in the best possible position regardless the online poker playing situation you find yourself in.

1 – Bluffing Is Over-Utilized
Beginning players online tend to play a lot of Hold ‘Em hands (and a lot of hands in other poker games as well). This leads beginners to a lot of situations where they feel a bluff will take the pot. Before they know it, calling every small blind leads to bluffing after the flop, leading them to the rebuy window to replenish their bankroll. Until you reach an advanced level of play, leave bluffing to the pros in most instances.

2 – Understand Position
If you are one of the first players after the dealer, you are considered to be in early position. If you have just about the same number of players before you and after you, you are in a middle position. And if you are one of the last players to act during a hand, you are in late position. What does this mean? In early position only play strong hands, because you have several people to act after you, and you may be looking at multiple raises. In the middle of the field play strong and medium hands, as there are only a few people to act behind you. And finally, in late position you can play aggressively, especially if everyone has checked in front of you. Just be prepared to back up that aggressive play after the flop.

3 – Find the Best Welcome Bonuses Online
One of the greatest things about online poker is the Welcome Bonus. Unlike playing in your neighborhood house game or at a brick-and-mortar casino, online poker rooms will actually match a significant portion of your initial account funding deposit. That’s right, they will give you free money to open an account on their website as opposed to the competition. This is just smart business, and every online poker room does it. So shop around for the best possible bonuses. The most reputable online casinos offer the best welcome bonuses, because they know you will enjoy your experience with them as they offer the latest and most reliable gaming software experience, and the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

4 – Take Notes!
One of the most significant advantages offered by online poker technology is the ability to take notes. While taking notes in the real world poker environment is totally legal, it is frowned upon, and you would find yourself not only the ridicule of your fellow players, but also the recipient of names like “Cheat” and “Jerk” when you win a couple of hands. But taking notes when playing online Texas Hold ‘Em or any other online poker game is easy to do, and many casinos even offer the capability to take notes in their poker software. And you can always open up Notepad or Word on your computer and begin compiling a book on both your competitors’ and your betting patterns and play.

5 – Play Against Your Sex
Many online poker rooms allow you to choose either a female or male avatar, or choose a name that you want to play under. It has been proven time and time again in research laboratories and poker rooms around the world that men and women inherently play poker differently. Without even trying to, you are broadcasting whether you are a male or female to the online poker world every time you play. Don’t let your Texas Hold ‘Em competitors get a handle on you. Play as the opposite sex if you can. You will be surprised at how effective this simple strategy can be online.

These simple tips are offered in the hopes that beginning online Texas Hold ‘Em players can learn some more esoteric moves to make which will help protect and pad their bankroll. A basic online poker playing strategy is paramount if beginning players want to make online poker a profitable and enjoyable endeavor, rather than a frustrating financial failure.  To try our your newly learned Texas Hold ‘Em skills, visit Bovada Poker, where you’ll be treated to a nice 100% match deposit bonus up to $1000 on your first visit!  Check out all of the online poker sites recommended by ThePokerGrind.com.