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Nuts and Bolts
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For all of you beginners out there and those of you who may be completely new to the world of online poker, we've provided a quick introduction here to help guide you through the most "practical" (i.e. "nuts and bolts") aspects of getting started. Different sites feature different protocols and requirements, of course, but generally speaking, if you're a newcomer the instructions below should serve you well in terms of getting online, gathering the materials that you need, and being prepared (technically speaking, of course) to get involved in your first game.
So, for all of you out there who are ‘getting started' for the first time, the information below should walk you through the initial technical aspects of any online poker experience. After that, the harder part begins with the necessity to learn odds, probabilities, player behaviour, rules, betting options and much, much more.Hardware Requirements
A good rule of thumb (and this applies to those of you with Macs as well) is that if you`ve purchased your computer in the past 6 years, chances are that you have all the technical specs you need and shouldn't have to worry about anything at all. Essentially, all you really need these days is a reliable internet connection and a bit of free disk space if you're planning to download any software.Downloading
Nowadays, more and more online poker rooms are featuring ‘flash' versions of their software which allow players to play without the need to download any software. In these situations, simply logging in with your account details and having a reliable internet connection is about all you need to get started.If you opt for the download route (which usually provides a faster and fuller game experience), once you've chosen a site at which to play online poker, click on the appropriate "Download" icon - usually prominent on the site's welcome page - for the software you require. Select "Save this program to disk" and then click "OK."
Choose a location to which you want to save the program (normally, most people choose their Desktop, but if you choose another location, be sure to note it down), and then click "Save." The file will start downloading to your Desktop and once it's finished, click on "Close."
Installation
Go to your Desktop (or the location where you've saved the file) and double-click on your newly installed icon. If you experience difficulties finding your icon, you can search for the program using the "Find" option on your computer's Start menu.Choose the desired location of your online poker room's program. By clicking on "Next," you will automatically save the program to the default destination (recommended).
Wait until the installation process is complete. Once it is finished, you are ready to start playing. Some online poker rooms give first-time players a choice between "Practice Play" (no money involved) and "Money Play" (money involved). Note that for "Practice Plays," registration is usually not required.
Playing for Fun
After you have successfully installed the necessary software for the online poker room you've chosen, you might be given the chance to get a feel for the poker room by playing for fun before you play for money. Note that while registration is usually not required to play for fun, there is the advantage of being offered technical assistance should you run into any difficulties. By clicking on the appropriate icon to play for fun, you will enter the poker room and be given a choice of practice tables.Playing for Money
If you feel confident enough to play for money after you have installed your online poker room's software, choose the option to "Play for Money." Unlike when you're playing for fun, you'll have to register to play for money. Enter all required information on the poker room's registration page, submitting your details accordingly.After you have registered, you will receive a user name and password from your online poker room. This is your identification while you're playing online, so be sure to remember it. Click "OK" once you have received your user name and password. You will then be directed to a "Login" screen which will allow you to enter the poker room. Enter your user name and password and click "Login."
Similar to when you're playing for fun, you'll be directed to the lobby. This time, however, you can also choose your game based on limits, number of players, etc. But first you'll first have to click on "Cashier" to make a deposit to your account. At this stage, follow the on-screen instructions and choose a payment option [ADD LINK; payment-options]. When you have deposited money in your account, you can select a game and start playing.
Return Visits
If you decide to visit your online poker room again in the future, the process is much simpler. Just double-click on the software you installed on your Desktop (or visit the link to the site that you may have stored in your browser's favorites) the first time around.Once you arrive at the entrance or lobby, you'll have the choice to play for fun or to play for money and you simply click on the selection you want. Go straight to the "Login" screen, enter your details, and get ready to start playing! Before making a deposit, read about the different online payment options available and their relative strengths and weaknesses here [ADD LINK: payment-options].