Play Texas Hold'em Online – How to Choose a Poker Site
When you are first learning how to play Texas Hold'em online, you don't need to open more than one account at one poker site. I am going to make only one recommendation which will make your life simple: PokerStars. Why? They are the largest and best run site on the net. No matter how small or how large your bankroll is, you will find a game that fits your needs, 24/7. And even more important, is their excellent track record for issuing quick and hassle free withdrawals.
If you want to explore, spread your bankroll thin, and waste your time, then do what I did. I won't mention any names. One site I made a withdrawal from took over 6 weeks to cut me a check, only after I complained. Another one charged me $50 dollars for making a withdrawal. And the number of available games I wanted to play at these sites and others were dwarfed by the game selections at PokerStars.
RakeBack
Once you are ready to open accounts at sites other than PokerStars, you will want to sign up through a RakeBack Service. Rakeback is a percentage of the rake from all the games you play that is returned to you. Rakeback companies receive a percentage of your action when you sign up through them. Then they share a percentage of their commissions with you. PokerStars has their own internal program. If you want to open an account with FullTilt which is second best to PokerStars, sign up through a company such as www.rakeback.com.
Most rakeback percentages are around 30%. FullTilt's rakeback is 27%. If you are a marginal player, your RakeBack will mean the difference between profit and loss. So, do not open an account with any poker site, other than PokerStars, without signing up with a Rakeback company first. Don't fall for any incentives from Tracking Software Merchants, etc. You will be forfeiting your RakeBack to them for as long as you play under that account.
If you are totally new to online poker, go to the PokerStars website and sign up for a free account. Learn how to login, choose a table, buy in, and operate the software's bet, check, raise, and fold buttons. Play different game types: limit, no limit, freeroll SNG's and Tourneys. Get some experience. Play enough games to gain confidence. Build up your chip count. Prove to yourself you are better than most other players, which you should be if you are following my suggested study plan.
When you are ready and confident, make your deposit. If you can afford to deposit $600, that will allow you to take full advantage of their first time sign up bonus. Also, you will automatically be enrolled into their player points programs (VIP, VPP, and FPP) regardless of how much or how little you deposit. This is the equivalent to RakeBack.
