There are couple of things you should consider when starting to play poker with your smartphone or tabloid. By keeping these next couple tips in mind you’re guaranteed to get the best out of your mobile poker experience.
1. Good Connection
Make sure that you have a fast and stable connection. No one likes those disconnections in the middle of your hand and even less when you’re playing a pot for real money. You can test out the connection at the play money games before you hit the real money cash tables. Recommended is a minimum 3G connection and if you have access to WiFi wireless connection, then even better. The rules for the disconnections are the same as playing from a pc – there will be no refunds if you get disconnected and loose the hand.
When disconnected you usually have 30sec-1min to reconnect to the table. After the time is up, your hand will check/fold and if you haven’t reconnected before the next hand starts, you will automatically sit out.
RedKings Mobile, Bwin Android Poker and mFortune Texas Hold’em apps had no disconnection problems during our reviews. All were tested using both WiFi and 3G connection.
2. Data Connection Price
The price of your 3G connection depends on your mobile operator and the data package you have. Best package plan for your smartphone or tabloid gaming is the unlimited data package. That way you won’t have to worry how much data you have transferred when playing mobile poker and what it will cost – the price is always the same. If your operator doesn’t offer unlimited data service then you can also go for the pre-defined transfer limit packages that allow certain amount of MB transfer a month.
You can always use Wi-Fi connection for your mobile gaming, if you got an access for one. There are many wireless Wi-Fi hotspots around the world, in places such as: cafes, shopping malls, universities, libraries and airports. Some of these are completely Free to use for customers and some may ask for a small fee. At home you can use your Broadband connection and share it to your mobile device with a wireless modem.
3. Battery Life
This is one of the most important things to make sure of before you start playing. Verify that you have enough battery life for your poker session and if you have access to a charger, it’s always better to plug your device on it. The battery life can be extended by closing all the other apps from the background or by adjusting the screen brightness of your device.
4. Avoid Distraction
When playing from your mobile or tabloid at crowded environment, try to find a place where you can play undisturbed. If your playing at the airport – you can go a to a lounge, playing from the cafe – you can take the corner table and so on. The key is to ensure that you get to concentrate and enjoy your mobile poker the best way possible. You can also use the “vibrate when your turn” function that some of the apps offer, that way you will never miss your turn if you get distracted. Two additional options that might help to reduce the mistakes are: 4 colour deck and sound effects.
5. Know Your Limits
It’s one the basic rules for poker players – you need to set yourself the limits and stick to them. Good bankroll management is covered in many poker books and it’s essential part of the game for any poker player. Only play with the money you can afford to loose. By doing so, you’re setting yourself up to be making the best and correct decision at any given situation.
These are some of the tips we came up with for getting the best mobile poker playing experience. If you’ve got any thoughts or ideas about mobile gaming, please feel free to leave your comments below.
