Many experienced online poker players will notice that play at the poker cash games often tightens up for the very first month after the holiday season. At the low-limit ring games online, our observations show that the portion of players seeing the flop at Hold’em is usually reduced from the common year-round levels. These games not only become tighter, but consequently slightly tougher to beat also.

Recreational players only usually play a great deal online when their disposable income is not in use. Holiday gifts take precedence at this time of year and you will find a large volume of players will not start gambling again until they have paid off those holiday bills. Regardless of the amount of play and expertise, it always seems that the cold months lend to more conservative play and life decisions. Some say this is in part contributed by a natural desire to conserve resources during wintertime seasons.

Since January seems to bring these tougher poker games online, our suggestion is to play more tournaments than you could otherwise during another month. Players usually have an even better shot at winning in tournament play over professionals, as well as the tendency to play tighter than normal may be exploited much more in a tournament than a cash game. This advice will hold true within your local card rooms as well. If you find the tables are filling up with ‘rocks’, then consider that an opportunity to look at playing in a tournament or try to sign-up for the next sit & go.

As the spring starts, the poker action usually heats up like the weather! New players are flooding in at this time of year and everyone is gearing up for their chance to get involved with the upcoming WSOP tournaments held in the summer. Not only will people by playing more hands at the tables but the stakes they are going to be playing is usually also at their personal peak.

Table selection remains one of the key elements to successful ring game play, especially online while you can jump from one pond to the next at the click of a mouse. Our advice is to look for the tables where the pre-flop percentage is at least over 30%. Do not forget that loose play is often accompanied by weak players at the lower limits and these are by far the simplest games to beat online for new players. As you gain experience and a personal playing style preference, you’ll find out to identify all the elements to look for when choosing tables both quality online casino and at the local casino.