Many experienced online poker players will notice that play at the poker cash games often tightens up for the first month after the holiday season. At the low-limit ring games online, our observations show that the percentage of players seeing the flop at Hold'em is often reduced from the average year-round levels. These games not only become tighter, but consequently slightly tougher to beat as well.
Recreational players only tend to play a lot online when their disposable income isn't in use. Holiday gifts take precedence at this time of year and you'll find a large quantity of players won't start gambling again until they have paid off those holiday bills. Regardless of the level 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 winter seasons.
Since January seems to bring these tougher poker games online, our suggestion is to play more tournaments than you might otherwise during another month. Players usually have a better shot at winning in tournament play over the experts, and the tendency to play tighter than normal can be exploited much more in a tournament than a cash game. This advice will hold true in 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 into the upcoming WSOP tournaments held in the summer. Not only will people by playing more hands at the tables but the stakes they will be playing is often also at their personal peak.
Table selection remains one of the key elements to successful ring game play, especially online as 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%. Remember that loose play is often accompanied by weak players at the lower limits and these are by far the easiest games to beat online for new players. As you gain experience and a personal playing style preference, you will learn to identify all the elements to look for when choosing tables both online and at your local casino.

About The Author

Shawn Somerville has been playing online poker since it's inception in 1999. All his articles can be found on his online poker tournament website called WinnersTable.com.