Just as you read facial expressions and body language of your poker opponents, there are signals to be aware of while playing poker online. Chances are if you don’t know how to read an “online poker face” you are sending telltale signals subconsciously to your opponents.
 
Through your experiences in the game of poker, you have learned to watch the players look at their cards for the first time.  You watch them call or raise a bid.  You even pay attention when they fold their hand.  Did you see that eyebrow rise?  A stifled smirk?  Maybe someone put their hand face down on the table, or took a long drag of their cigar.  You have learned to pick up on your opponents’ mannerisms and habits through observation.  He raised the bid, but you’ll call his bluff.
 
You need to study your opponents just as you would if they were there in person.  You can learn of one’s character, confidence, and skill level just as easily over the Internet.  Here are some things to look out for when reading an “online poker face,” and how to be cautious of your own dead-giveaways.
 
First of all, a novice is just as easy to pick out of a crowd.  If an opponent uses the chat feature to wish everyone good luck before the game starts, this is a good indication that he/she is an inexperienced player.  Players who chat are often unaware that they are giving away valuable information.  The first thing to remember is the participants are distracted from the game.  You can learn about the extent of their distraction by paying attention to what is being said.  Is an opponent drunk?  Tired?  Watching young kids?
 
 Also, if a player chooses to show his hand, you can bet that he is probably a beginner.  Experienced players know that there is nothing to gain by sharing their cards.  Another strong indicator of a beginner is if he bets an odd amount of chips.  Unless the bet matches the count of the stack, the opponent is merely trying to create an illusion of a larger bet.  The last related tip-off is if you learn that your opponent is multi-tabling, you can assume he is a strong player.  However, if they are revealing this information by way of chatting, rest-assured they are beginners to it.
 
If you decide one of your opponents is a novice…well…your game just got a little easier.  However, don’t let your guard down completely.  A beginner has yet to form consistent tells and, therefore, might be a bit tricky to read.
 
A pattern to watch out for (in both skilled and unskilled players) is the time it takes your opponents to bet.  A general rule of thumb is a player will act quicker with a good hand and hesitate if their cards are weaker.  However, an experienced player might try to trick you.  Study your opponents carefully so that you can detect a false tell.  Also, don’t forget about your own “poker face.”  Be the trickster.  Keep your betting times to a consistent three seconds whether you have good cards or not—this means whether you are calling, raising, or folding.  At certain times, act quicker with a weak hand and dawdle with a strong hand.  You may even want to run down the timer until the last possible moment during a better hand.  But don’t overuse this trick!  This will help keep you unpredictable and difficult to read.
 
You may decide to take notes on your opponents.  You can keep short files about each player you encounter.  This will help you with your current game, and may even prove useful in the future if you run into that player again.  It’s time to play online poker!

By Victoria Maro

Have you ever gathered your friends together for a gambling party?  Has it ever turned sour or produced hard feelings among your guests?  One way to avoid this is to throw an online gambling party.
 
Set up a time and place as you would any gambling party, and tell your friends to bring their laptops.  Clear the table as you would if you were preparing to play card games together.  You can even spread some poker chips or cards around the center of the play area to create a gaming atmosphere.  Then, simply set up your individual laptops and gamble!
 
Advantages of an online gambling party
 
First of all, gambling online provides a wider variety of games, and everyone can play their personal favorites.  You are no longer limited to what everyone knows how to play, the number of people present, or objects that you don’t own-such as slot machines or bingo cards.
 
Sometimes the participants vary in allotted budgets, which can sometimes put a restraint on bids or playing time.  Also, an online gambling party can potentially save embarrassment for those of tighter budgets, but who still enjoy gambling as much as their friends.
 
For a number of people, the social aspect of gambling is important.  By throwing an online gambling party, you can ensure-no matter the amount of money won or lost-there are no hard feelings among your guests.  Yet, you won’t miss out on the laughter, boasting, and high-fives that will circulate (more freely) around the table.  It is a friendly-safe way to share your enjoyment of gambling with your friends.
 
You can choose a comfortable and convenient atmosphere for your party.  Driving time is reduced significantly, if not completely.  You will save money on gas and lodging expenses.  And maybe even a baby-sitter.  What are you thinking now?  More money to gamble with?   Also, with the dangers of drinking and driving, your group might agree to stay the night.  You can make it an all-night online gambling party.
 
Never gambled online before?  No problem.  You can even incorporate these steps into the beginning of your party.
 
First, simply select a casino that is safe and professional.  Before you gamble, explore their privacy policy, odds and winnings, payout timing, and customer service methods.  A phone number listed on the casino website is a good sign of legitimacy.  Many casinos also offer online guides that state rules of games, bidding, and even strategies to play by.
 
Secondly, you may have to download free software to gamble online.  You should choose casinos that use recognized software such as Microgaming, Playtech, Boss Media, and Cryptologic. 
 
Now you can set up an account through which to pay and be credited.  There are many methods to choose from.  Some casinos prefer certain payment methods, such as NETeller.  Other online gamblers may choose a method based on offered features, such as Citadel’s risk assessment, which helps you control your spending.
 
Jerry Whittaker reviews (Gambling Wiz) the best online casinos, software, payment methods and more so that you can be as successful a gambler as he.
 
Now you’re ready to gamble online!

By Victoria Maro