Taking the First Steps

Once you have taken the decision to play online, the first key choice you must make is to select a site at which to play. All sites are not equal and it is well worth spending an hour or two visiting different sites and comparing what they have to offer. Most major sites require you to download their software before you are able to play, but there are quite a few sites that work through Java applets and therefore do not require a download. In general, most players prefer the download approach, since the time taken to download the software and install it on a hard drive is usually more than offset by the better graphics and performance of the download version. However, Java-based programs are particularly well suited to players who do not have access to the Windows environment, or are not permitted to install software on the computer at which they wish to play.

Once you have made your choice of site, it is a fairly straightforward matter to download the software (or applet). This software will contain a poker client which runs on your computer and talks to the online cardroom's poker server. All you need to do then is select a screen name (or 'handle') and sign up (don't forget to take a note of your username and password for next time!). At this point, you will usually be prompted to deposit some funds to your account. However, if you don't feel ready to start playing for real money straightaway, but first wish to familiarise yourself with the peculiar mechanics of the online game, you can skip this and go straight to the play money tables. It may seem a little strange at first, but once you have played three or four times you should become more comfortable with it. If your chosen site offers freeroll tournaments, then you may also wish to take advantage of these before deciding whether or not to deposit any cash funds to your account.

When you are logged-in at an online poker site, it is relatively straightforward to take up a seat at a table. You simply select a table by double-clicking on it in the lobby (if the table is full you will be given the option of placing yourself on the waiting list) and then when the table appears you simply double-click on an empty seat. At this point you are usually asked to select how many chips you wish to buy-in for and then you are all set to go. After the current hand has been completed you will be prompted to either post a blind straightaway or postpone this until you arrive in the big blind position. In ten-player ring games some players actually prefer to post their first blind after the button has passed (from the position to the right of the button, often known as 'the cut-off) rather than in the big blind position, since they will then receive a number of 'free' plays before they arrive at the big blind.

Once you are dealt in, the software will prompt you when it is your turn to act and indicate how much you can bet, although you may elect to use the 'advance-action' (or 'in-turn') boxes if you have already decided what to do before your turn comes around. When you are settled into the game, you may elect to click on the 'auto-post blinds' option, so that your blinds are posted without causing any delay to the game. If you decide to sit out for a while (note that most sites only allow you to sit out for a maximum three rounds before removing you from the table) and then return to the game, you will have to pay any missed blinds, just as you would in a live-action game.

At some point you may decide to take the plunge and play for real money. Be sure to visit the relevant section of the poker room's website for instructions on this procedure. Essentially the process of depositing funds is not dissimilar to that of any other online purchase, but depending on your nationality and the gambling policy of your credit card company, you may need to make a credit card transfer to a third party handler such as NETeller, and then move the funds from there to your online poker account. If you do not possess a credit card then most sites allow you to deposit funds through some other means.

Many sites offer a deposit bonus for first-time customers, which can be as much as 250% of your initial deposit, transferable to your account once you have participated in a certain number of raked hands. It is well worth taking advantage of as many of these offers as you can, while you try out different cardrooms. These promotions are not available at every site, and can also change from time to time, so you will need to check their web sites to see what deals are currently available. It is important to read the terms of the bonus offer carefully, since often you will be required to play a certain number of hands by a certain date, otherwise the bonus is deemed null and void.

Online cardrooms do place restrictions on the sums that may be deposited in a 24-hour period. Partly this is for the protection of their clients, to prevent players from overexposing themselves by making substantial deposits that could lead to financial ruin, but fundamentally it is to ensure that they themselves are protected from credit card fraud or contested charges. 

Bookmark: