Poker is a card game traced back to the early 19th century. It has long been a favorite of gamblers and card sharks but has become increasingly popular with casual players. There are many reasons for poker’s newfound popularity, but one of the biggest is that it is relatively easy to learn. Unlike many other casino games, poker is not reliant on luck; instead, it is a game of skill and strategy. This means that players willing to put in the time and effort can improve their odds of winning, making it all the more exciting. In addition, poker is a very social game, and many people enjoy the opportunity to interact with others while playing. Poker is worth checking whether you’re looking for a casual way to pass the time or a serious challenge.
Online poker is a great way to play the game you love from the comfort of your own home. However, one of the downsides of online poker is the amount of variance that can occur. No matter how good you are, some games will be decided purely by luck, and that’s ok. You can’t win every game, and good players know that profit comes from the long run. Still, it is undoubtedly annoying to deal with variance, especially when playing online poker real money games. If you’re struggling with variance, this poker guide will help you by giving helpful tips to minimize its impact.
What is variance, exactly?
Variance is a term used in statistics that measures how far a set of numbers is spread out. In poker, variance refers to the ups and downs that a player experiences. All players will experience positive and negative variance at some point; it’s simply part of the game. However, some players are more susceptible to variance than others. For example, players who frequently make risky plays are more likely to experience high swings in their bankrolls. On the other hand, players who stick to a tight and solid playing style tend to have much more stable results. While there is no sure way to avoid variance altogether, understanding how it works can help minimize its effects on your game.
Why bankroll management is critical
For any poker player, bankroll management is an essential skill. Simply put, bankroll management knows how much money you have to play with and ensures that you don’t risk it all in any single game or tournament. While it may seem common sense, many players make the mistake of thinking they can just play as much as they want without considering the risks. That can lead to costly mistakes and, in some cases, ruin a player’s chances of becoming a successful poker player.
Reducing variance: Play tight
If you’re looking to reduce the impact of variance, one approach is to play tighter and only go for the best poker hands. That does help to reduce variance, but it also makes you more predictable, which skilled opponents can exploit. It’s all about finding the right balance – playing too tight will limit your winning potential, but playing too loose will see you losing money hand over fist. The key is to be strategic in your approach and always be aware of how your opponents play. If they are tight, you could try playing more bluffs since they are more likely to fold. With a little thought and planning, you can keep variance to a minimum and ensure that you always come ahead in the long run.
Reducing variance: Stop playing tournaments
When minimizing variance in your poker games, one of the first things you might want to consider is avoiding tournament play. The format of most tournaments – where the vast majority of entrants get nothing – means they inherently have more variance than cash games. So if your goal is to win big, tournaments are probably not the way to go. That being said, if you decide to take on the challenge of tournament play, ensure you have a bankroll big enough to accommodate the inevitable ups and downs. Good luck!
Reducing variance: Changing stakes
Finally, a great way to minimize the impact of variance is simply moving down in stakes. There’s no shame in doing this; the mental reset you get after a few low-stakes games can ensure you return to form in no time. Playing at a lower level gives you a chance to win more often and rebuild your bankroll without the added pressure of big stakes. In addition, you’ll likely find the competition more forgiving at lower levels, allowing you to work on your game without the risk of costly mistakes. So if you’re feeling frustrated with your results, remember that it’s always an option to move down in stakes until you’re ready to take on the challenges of higher-level play. Taking this to the extreme, you can even play online poker free of charge on specific sites if you just want the feeling of playing poker without monetary commitment.
Where to practice playing poker tournaments
As much as it is a game of skill, poker has some undeniable variance. Sometimes you will lose money no matter how well you play. However, there are ways to protect your bankroll and minimize the swings. By following the tips in this article, you can put yourself in a better position to make money playing online poker. Sign up today with GGPoker, the world’s largest poker room, and start building your bankroll!