Poker can be a difficult game to get into, as the level of competition online is often very high. Luckily, there are lots of ways you can practice and improve your skills. As well as learning through playing, you can also find plenty of guides and videos online to help you improve. Additionally, some players get better by watching live games. A lot of people learn best by watching others do something, and it’s a very simple way to get started. By watching poker, you can learn a lot about how players react under pressure and their strategies.
However, simply watching a game isn’t going to teach you much. You have to watch with the intention of learning, which means focusing on certain things and paying close attention. You can get started by finding live games on TV or by watching live streams online. There are plenty of resources to help you, but here on some tips for improving as you watch.
Count the Hands Not Played
Most people who watch poker focus on the action, how many chips are being put into the pot, or which hands are being played. However, you can learn a lot more by watching the hands that aren’t played. You don’t make money in poker by folding, but it’s one of the most effective tools for limiting losses. If you want to play at a high level, seeing when the pros fold their hands is extremely useful. Those that stick with bad hands are much more likely to lose money long-term, even if it feels like losing each time you fold.
Also Read: How To Calculate Odds In Poker
Imagine Being in the Game
One tip for focusing on the game and learning more is imagining that you’re actually sitting at the table and part of the game. By forgetting that you’re a spectator and imagining yourself as a participant, you can get a lot more out of watching. If you want, you can try and choose a decision before each player and see whether you get it right or not. You do have the advantage of seeing your opponents’ cards, though. So if you want to make it more realistic, you can cover that part of the screen.
Study the Bluffs
The advantage of watching poker on TV is that you can see all the cards. This means you can learn how pros react to certain hands and also know when they’re bluffing. If you want to play high-level poker, understanding bluffing is key. You need to be able to bluff correctly as well as know when your opponents are being deceptive. This is easier said than done. Watching how the pros do it is the best way to learn. You can see how they set up their bluffs in earlier hands and how they make the most out of bad hands.
Look for Specific Game Scenarios
You’ll encounter several distinct phases and situations during a poker game. If you’re a beginner, you might not know how to react to these just yet. The good news is that thousands of hours of poker television are recorded, sorted, and made available online to watch any time you like. For example, if you want to know how to bet effectively after the flop. All you have to do is visit your preferred poker video site, look for that scenario and watch the video.
Also Read: How To Win At Poker