05 Nov 2024 Beginner This material is for beginner players discipline mental game motivation Poker is one of the most popular online games in the world, enjoyed by millions of players. However, many people who are unfamiliar with the game often hold misconceptions and stereotypes about what poker really is. These misunderstandings can lead to a distorted view of the game and its true nature. In this article, we will explore some common myths surrounding poker and clarify the realities of the game. By busting these five myths, we want to help newcomers feel more confident as they start their poker journey! Myth #1: You Can Play Poker Anywhere The location where you choose to play poker is crucial. It’s important to select reputable poker rooms where you are unlikely to encounter issues with deposits, withdrawals, or other technical difficulties. Additionally, established poker rooms typically offer a wide variety of games, a pool of recreational players, and good rakeback deals. Myth #2: Everything Depends on Luck A common belief is that in poker, everything depends on luck, and you can only win by chance. While short-term luck plays a role, poker is very much like any other competitive sport or game of skill. There are tournaments, skilled and unskilled players, and televised matches with fans cheering for their favorite players. The game does involve an element of chance, but so do other sports. As the saying goes: A day in poker consists of 90% luck and 10% skill. A year in poker consists of 10% luck and 90% skill. If poker were a game of luck, we wouldn't see the same faces among the winners every year. Myth #3: Online Poker is Just a Scam or Rigged Another frequent misconception is that online poker is a scam where only hacker-written programs win. Creating a successful poker bot that goes undetected by the security services of poker rooms is extremely challenging, if not impossible. Excellent security measures employed by poker rooms prevent bots from accessing card information, eliminating any unfair advantages. There are various programs that are not prohibited and can assist players in decision-making, primarily by collecting statistics on opponents and calculating certain mathematical formulas. Interestingly, many professional players manage without such tools, preferring to rely on their skill and mental calculations only. Myth #4: You Can't Bluff or Read Opponents Online Some people believe that playing online is very limited, and you can only become a poker pro by playing live, where you can see players’ reactions and read their cards. While being able to observe tells and read opponents is important, these skills can also be effectively applied in online games by considering various other factors, such as bet-sizing patterns and timing tells. Our future articles in the Poker School will delve into the aspects of online poker, including reading ranges and bluffing strategies. Myth #5: You Need to Be Good at Math Another common myth is that to be a successful poker player, you must have a strong grasp of math. In reality, the calculations you'll need to make at the poker table are relatively straightforward. You won’t have to deal with complex math like exponents or square roots. The essential skills required for calculating probabilities mainly involve dividing and multiplying numbers, and many of these calculations will eventually become second nature. In poker, the mental aspects — such as discipline and tilt control — are often more critical than the mathematical component. Answers to Three Common Questions About Online Poker Below, we’ve provided answers to three frequently asked questions that new players often have about online poker. Q1: What is poker — sport or gambling? Poker has been classified as a gambling game in certain regions, though opinions on its classification differ globally. Regardless of legal classifications, poker has all the qualities of a competitive sport and can be profitable in the long term. Q2: How much time does it take to learn poker to earn at least $1,000 a month? If you dedicate a few hours each day to learning, it will likely take at least six months. The timeline depends on your commitment and the amount of time you can invest. In an optimal scenario, you might reach this earning level a few months sooner. Q3: What do I need to start playing poker? To play online, you must be at least 18 years old. However, you can learn the game at any age, and our site is here to help you understand the strategies to start making real money.
