Have you ever found yourself struggling to beat a certain type of player in online poker? You know, the ones who seem to call your bets no matter what, even when it seems like they should fold. These “sticky” players can be frustrating to deal with, but there are strategies you can use to improve your chances of winning.

Online poker has become increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of players around the world logging on to play each day. While there are many different types of players, “sticky” players can be particularly challenging to beat. They may not always have the best hand, but they’re willing to stick around and see what happens.

If you’re serious about improving your online poker skills, it’s important to have a strategy for dealing with different types of players. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at “sticky” players and explore some tips and tricks for beating them at their own game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, these strategies can help you take your game to the next level.

Reasons Online Poker Has Sticky Players 

There are several reasons why online poker platforms have sticky players. It’s important to understand these reasons so you can formulate a better strategy to beat sticky players at their own game. In this section, we explain why online poker players tend to “stick around.” 

Video Game Aspect 

Online poker has a video game aspect to it which players don’t take as seriously when they’re playing a live game. For example, players don’t look at the numbers as money but rather see them as keeping score. 

Players aren’t seeing others put real money or chips on a table to place their bets. When people lose the feeling of playing for real money, they tend not to take the game as seriously and simply keep playing. 

Lower Stakes 

Online poker players are placing lower stakes compared to live games. They are placing stakes as low as $2, or if they’re feeling adventurous, they’ll place $25 to $50. These amounts aren’t large enough for the players to take the game seriously. So the game of poker becomes more of a pastime or a means of entertainment rather than to winning large amounts of money. 

The Computer Element of Poker 

Since you’re playing poker online, you’re not sitting across from another player, so you can’t see their facial expressions. This means players can make donkey moves without serious consequences. 

If you’re playing a live poker game and you make a mistake, you will be under extreme scrutiny from other players. But in online poker, people can play how they want, and they don’t have to answer for their actions. So they’ll continue playing no matter how silly their gameplay is.  

Play Tight-Aggressive

A tight-aggressive player means playing only strong hands and betting aggressively when you do have a good hand. This will help you win more pots and make more money in the long run. Here are the steps to developing a tight-aggressive style:

1. Start by playing only premium hands, such as high pairs, high-suited connectors, and high-suited aces. This will help you avoid marginal hands that can get you into trouble.
2. When you do decide to enter a pot, raise aggressively to put pressure on your opponents. This will help you win pots without having to show down your hand.
3. Continuation bet on the flop when you have raised pre-flop. This will help you keep the pressure on your opponents and win pots even when you don’t have a strong hand.
4. Use position to your advantage by playing more aggressively when you are in late position. This will allow you to steal blinds and win pots without having to show down your hand.
5. Pay attention to your opponents and adjust your play accordingly. If you notice that your opponents are playing too loose, tighten up your range and play more aggressively. If your opponents are playing too tight, loosen up your range and play more hands.
6. Finally, be patient and disciplined. This style of play can be boring at times, but it is effective in the long run. Stick to your strategy and wait for the right opportunities to make moves.

Position is Key

Try to play more hands when you are in late position (close to the dealer button). You will have more information about your opponents’ actions before you have to act.

Bluff Selectively

Bluffing is an important part of poker, but it should be done selectively. Try to bluff when you have a strong read on your opponent and when the board is favorable for your bluff. Here are some tips to follow: 

• Assess who you’re competing against
• Swindle the field to one or two players before taking action 
• Mix up your tells to keep your opponents off-balance
• Utilize the semi-bluff more 

Pay Attention to Your Opponents

There’s no doubt that there is an element of psychology to poker. With that being said, pay attention to how your opponents play and try to pick up on their tendencies. This will help you make better decisions when you have to act.

Bankroll Management

Bankroll management is a crucial aspect of playing poker. It involves setting aside a certain amount of money for playing poker and managing it effectively to ensure long-term success. The table below outlines some general guidelines for bankroll management in poker: 

Stakes Bankroll Required:

It’s important to note that these guidelines are just general recommendations and may vary depending on your skill level, playing style, and risk tolerance.

Take Breaks

It’s crucial to take breaks from playing poker to avoid burnout. This will help you stay fresh and focused when you do play.

Study the Game

Read books, watch videos, and analyze your own play to improve your skills. The more you know about the game, the better you will be able to make decisions.

Be Patient

Don’t rush into hands and make impulsive decisions. Take your time and think through your actions before making a move.

Stay Disciplined

Stick to your strategy, and don’t deviate from it. Avoid making rash decisions based on emotions or short-term results.

Final Thoughts 

Dealing with “sticky” online poker players can be a challenging task. However, by employing the right poker strategy, you can effectively counter their moves and increase your chances of winning. So, keep these tips in mind to improve your online poker!