Playing cash game Internet poker at PlayersOnly is very different from other forms of poker. Whether you are a tournament player or someone used to playing cash games in real life, making the transition to playing cash games on the Internet can be challenging. There are many different changes that you must acclimate yourself to in order to be a successful online cash game player and knowing what to look out for is an important first step. When taking the plunge, it is important to remember a few simple things that will help you keep yourself in the black.
Especially if you are moving from in real life play to online cash game play, the fact that you cannot see your opponents can be an extremely unsettling change to which you must adjust. Without the ability to look at your opponents, one very important source of information is no longer available to you. As such, you need to adjust your play to reflect this fact. In online cash games, you should focus less on the playing the players at the table are more on the mathematics of the game. This is because it is harder to glean information on bluffing and holdings of a player and so it is much easier and usually more lucrative to shift your focus on what is the statistically right play.
Another important aspect to playing cash games is being able to manage your emotions at the table properly. Because you are sitting in front of your computer in the peace and quiet of your own home, it is extremely easy to go on tilt when compared to other situations. You are not worried about appearances so you can really let your emotions get the best of you and this can often cost you a lot of money. In addition, you have a nearly unlimited number of tables to play at so if you are not careful rage quitting one table and moving on to another table can be devastating.
Another extremely important aspect to playing Internet cash game poker at Poker Stars is the fact that you will see a very large number of hands per hour. At a typical online poker table, you may see anywhere from 50-100+ hands per hour which is much more than you will see at tables in real life. Being able to adjust to this environment can take time but the easiest way to deal with it is to fold more hands. If you are seeing 60 hands an hour, you are going to get some action so folding more of the garbage should be much easier.
Overall, playing cash game Internet poker can be an amazing experience albeit quite different from other forms of poker you may be well versed in. With a large number of hands player per hour, a distinct lack of visual cues, and the fact that it is a more emotional environment can all take their toll if you are not mindful of them.