Before you start playing online poker games make sure you have a plan. If you set yourself a few home rules before you start, you’ll be stacking the odds in your favour. Write them out and stick them next to your computer and have the discipline not to deviate for any reason. If you don’t have a plan it’s a bit like starting a journey without knowing your destination: who knows where you’ll end up and when. Start the habit now - write your desired outcome for each session.
Make your plan:
Budget- Know your budget before you begin playing. Work out your household budget and then work out how much you are willing to risk. If your income or outgoings change then adjust your budget accordingly. Not everyone wins at poker so setting your budget to affordable losses ensures you won’t lose your rent money. Commit to putting a percentage of your winnings back into your household budget or better still into your savings.
Limit – Know your limit. Playing online poker games without a limit is dangerous. Transfer the amount of money you want to risk in this session and when it’s gone stop playing. Set your limit and stick to it.
Online poker games – Online poker games are faster than offline games so it’s even more important you know your game plan before you start. Your money can get used up very quickly so make sure you stick to the rules.
Desires outcome for this session – Set your goals. Refer back to your overall plan.
What’s your desired outcome for this session of online poker? How much do you want to make? How much will you risk and how long can you play for before you feel tired and start to lose your edge.
Be alert - Don’t play if you’re tired. When you’re tired your concentration goes and you’ll make mistakes. Drinking coffee to keep you awake only gives you a short term boost of energy. So when the caffeine wears off your concentration will go. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and are alert.
Reality –If you play online poker games there is a danger that it won’t seem as real as a casino. You must remember you are playing with real money.
