Online poker is an exciting and rapidly growing game that allows players from around the world to play against each other from the comfort of their homes. All they need is a computer or mobile device and an internet connection, and they can take part in any of the many games available on top-rated sites. These websites offer a variety of promotions and bonuses for both new and returning players, including free tournament tickets and cash prizes. In addition, they have high player traffic, which ensures that games run smoothly and that there are plenty of opponents to choose from.
There was a time in the not-too-distant past when the contrast between “live poker pros” and their online counterparts was quite stark. You could often hear stories of live pros venturing into the online realm and failing miserably (and complaining that the game wasn’t “real”). But in the not-so-distant future, we’re likely to see a lot more overlap, with most top pros playing both online and live.
One reason for this trend is that online poker is accessible to people from a much larger pool than live poker. This creates a more diverse pool of players, with beginners learning the basics alongside more experienced players. It also makes it easier to find softer competition, which can be a boon for those who want to work their way up the stakes.
Another factor is that online poker plays at a faster pace than live poker. This can artificially create bigger swings, especially in the short term. You might play 10 times as many hands a week online than you would in a live setting, for example, which can make your variance seem much higher.
A third factor is that the rules of online poker are slightly different than those of live poker. For example, you don’t have to read physical ‘tells’ like you do in live poker, and online players tend to be more careful about their bankroll management. This means that online poker is generally a less volatile game than live poker, although it’s still possible to have big losses.