In this short free online poker tips article I’m looking at some basics areas that all players, new and maybe old, need to be very aware of – the oft overlooked importance of your table name and then some fundamental tips on how to play smart in order to cut into probability and minimize “bad luck”

First : Your name

* The user name is the first “indication” or tell that you give to your opponents when you arrive at the table. In the online game unlike the real game there is a lot less to go on and your user name can be one of them if you choose unwisely.
* Remember – the point is to win. So do not be a pseudo aggressive or too “nice.” These are nicknames that you remember easily and regulars will note you.
* Be like a spy – they grey man as they say. Go for a meaningless name that will not stand out. Aim to stay as anonymous as possible on a poker table. Only silly boys call themselves things like psychopokerman or all-in-maniac etc!

Second : play smart on table position, playable cards and who you play against.

* Learn about table position and how it affects the cards you should play. See our free online poker training lesson Building a bankroll lesson 2 for details on table position and playable pocket cards.
* Observe and record clues about the players you come into regular contact with – the good AND the bad.
* This can help you in games and also to choose tables to play at when you see how is seated already. See a table full of weak players….get in there! A table full of good players – avoid!
* On this note, if the poker site you’re at allows you to see other player statistics then this can save you a lot of time in figuring who you should and should not go up against.

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