Poker tournaments are where the real money is made at online casinos.
For people new to online gambling there is a misconception that all poker play is player vs.
computer--no different than video poker machines you'll find at any land-based casino.
While there are a great deal of video poker games available online, there are also plenty of games to play against live players.
The real action in online poker can only be found in poker tournaments.
Online poker tournaments work in very much the same way as brick and mortar casino tournaments.
Players compete against each other and move their way up in the ranks as the pot grows.
If you don't bring your A game, you won't stand a good chance to make it very far in the tournament.
There are poker tournaments available for both beginner and expert poker players.
To qualify for an expert tournament, you will have to pass a qualifying round.
This ensures only the top players will be competing.
Online poker tournaments are a bit different than standard casino play.
For instance, in poker the bluff is a large part of the game.
Players get to know each other's habits.
One player might start tapping his foot when he has a good hand--a pretty obvious signal.
In online poker tournaments, you don't get to physically see whom you're playing with.
Some different skill sets are needed.
Because you can't see other players, you need to learn how to read players' habits differently.
In online poker tournaments, there are a number of different "tells" that can give you a sense of a player's style, and even his hand, by the speed of play--how fast he draws or bets.
Many poker tournaments also include chat rooms where players can trade information.
Online casinos aim to make the playing experience as natural as possible.