It’s been a while since online poker existed. The earliest record of an online poker hand, for one, was in 1998. Sure, we had a slow internet connection back then. However, that didn’t stop enthusiasts like us to start exploring playing poker with strangers (or even friends) online.
And today, we love online poker for its gameplay, delightful rewards, and accessibility. If you’re looking to play online too like me, you don’t have to fork out money straight away. No, you can instead try it out first. I will tell you how with these simple tips.
Two Easy Ways to Play Online Poker For Free
Playing online can be a tad bit different than playing with friends in your room. I understand. That’s why you need to get comfortable first, and you can do it in two ways.
1. Try out the Free Demo Mode
When you join an online casino, check if they have a demo mode.
You just can’t go wrong with these free play options that allow practice using virtual money. It’s what I call the perfect battleground where you test out your skills – before you spend real money.
Sure, you cannot win real money while playing it. But it’s got the flavor of the real thing. Check how long you can play in the demo mode.
Mind checking community-driven websites (like AskGamblers, for example), they often offer some demos to try. Mostly, these are games like wms slots, but you are sure to find some poker demos, too.
2. Try Playing with the Bonus You Get
I have found another quick way to test out your poker skills for free online – bonuses.
You get them for many casino sites when you sign up. Use them – they don’t need you to spend any real money.
So how does it work? Mostly, you’ll see something like:
- Welcome Bonuses: That’s what you get for signing up on the site. Sometimes, you only get a welcome bonus if you deposit some money into the casino account first.
- Reload Bonuses: These are incentives to ‘restrain’ players who have deposited money.
- Loyalty Bonuses: These rewards are for regular players and depend on your activity. Like if you’re playing other casino games online, you may get a credit to play poker for free.
I recommend learning the wagering rules and requirements. Or, what the limitations are when using them. That’s because promotions including bonus money are a good way to prolong gaming time.
Some Extra Tips
Not all casino sites are created equal. Some offer unlimited demo mode gameplay. Some don’t. Some offer a higher welcome bonus. Some have a longer withdrawal period. When trying to play online poker for free, consider the following.
- Choose a reputable online poker site like NapoleonGames – that is legally compliant and certified.
- Start with lower stakes. You can start with low buy-in limits, which means you cannot lose much.
- The key is to practice, practice, and… practice. The more you play or practice, the better you will be.
What I Recommend – and Another Way to Go About It
Playing online can be a great way to hone your poker playing skills. Many professional poker players today, like Daniel Negreanu, a six-time WSOP bracelet winner started that way. He began playing online for free first to test out the waters. He wanted to understand the game mechanics. How it all worked and all – before raising the stakes.
Interestingly, did you know there is another way to win real money too without spending a dime?
Once you get the hang of playing online poker for free, you can play for real. And if you really want to play without money and still win, I recommend trying what we call freeroll tournaments. Here, you don’t have to pay an entry fee to participate. There aren’t that many out there, but it’s worth a shot. These tournaments help you try your hand at poker without a financial risk.
Remember, poker is a game based on luck and skill. So, as long as you’re playing on a credible platform you don’t have to worry about scams. Put your best foot – or card forward – and make every bluff count. That’s the way to turn even a weak hand into a winning strategy.
Work on your skills, and even more importantly – cherish the experience!
