If it is your desire to play online poker it is very important that before you begin to take part in any game that you are aware of the online poker rules and strategies.

The rules of online poker are somewhat different depending on the online poker game you are playing...

There is however some basic rules that are common to all poker games and are not changed at all. The basic rule of poker is that whichever player possesses the best hand when the game is finished wins the pot of money.

A few of the common rules are:

• If you do not want to lose your opportunity at the pot you can bet zero. This is called a check.
• When you bet or raise you are putting money as a bet that is more than what is already placed. This means that for the other players to claim interest in the pot they must place a bet that is equal to or more than yours.
• When you fold you are in effect giving up and have withdrawn from the game.

Whichever online poker game you play it is important that you understand the rules of the game. That way you will be able to keep abreast of the game as it is being played and recognise the techniques being used by each player. By doing so you will begin to improve your own skill as you play the game regularly.

Other rules that are not necessarily in the rule book but are understood by all players are:

• Be courteous to other players even when you are losing a bundle. Taking your frustrations out on another player helps no one and you could find yourself banned from the room.
• Play the game quickly. Do not delay the game because you are unable to decide what to do. So play fast.

The strategies you would use when playing online poker is varied and numerous. You can develop your own strategy or use one that is popular. The online poker strategy you will employ will depend on your poker skills. How good are you at playing online poker? Make sure your skills are adequate before you use any strategy.

Some strategies involve studying your opponents' reactions time, their betting habits and how quickly they play the game.

Stay ahead of your opponents as much as you can once you have figured their style of playing out.