Poker has been played for hundreds of years, and Texas hold ‘em is also more than one hundred years old despite being one of the newest variants. In that time, the game has changed a lot, but none more so than in the last few decades. Online poker has led to a huge growth of the game, with more people than ever now able to play. It’s also created new ways to play poker, with faster versions, easier tournaments, and more exciting rules.
From the moment online poker was first introduced in the late 90s, poker has been changing as players adapt to the technology and its possibilities. Today, technology continues to affect poker, especially how it’s played online. New technologies are introduced each year and have the potential to change the way we play poker forever. Here are some of the main impacts that technology has had on online poker.
Poker Software
Playing poker online on a computer gives players the potential to play with specially made software designed to give them an edge. Since online poker first launched, people, have been creating computer programs that aim to optimize poker strategy and lead to more wins. Today, the sheer range of available poker software is quite incredible, and players can choose from any number of tools to help them improve their game.
The most popular software tools for poker are databases. These record your play and let you review your hands. Many online poker sites have these databases built in, letting players learn from their past mistakes and check their statistics. This is a useful feature to have for improving skills and getting better at poker over time.
However, databases aren’t the only for of software tools that poker players have at their disposal. Also available are heads-up displays (HUDs) and solvers, which offer more comprehensive information to players. With these tools, poker players can have a better idea of the best action to take and work out their opponent’s hand ranges more effectively.
Competition
Online poker has allowed more people than ever to get into the game and start playing. However, it’s also led to an increased level of competition. Online poker today is very different from live games played a few decades ago, as the standard of play has improved so much. Poker software tools, the availability of learning guides, and the increased prize money have all meant that players are better and more competitive than ever.
Online poker can sometimes be tough for new players to break into because this level of competition is now so high. While it’s become easier for people to sign up and play, the steep learning curve can be off-putting for some players. Even low-stake tables are normally full of experienced players who are grinding out wins to make money.
AR and VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are two emerging technologies that have the potential to change the way online poker is played. While both have been around for some time, developments in recent years have made them easier to integrate, and poker sites are beginning to experiment with them.
One of the main disadvantages of online poker is that you can’t interact with other players at your table in the same way as you can at a live game. Online players sometimes feel like they’re missing out on the social aspect, and this, coupled with the steep learning curve, can make it difficult for beginners to enjoy.
AR and VR could potentially change this, creating a more immersive and enjoyable playing experience. Online poker sites can implement either or both to allow players to feel like they’re sitting at a real poker table opposite real opponents. It could potentially revolutionize online poker and lead to a new poker boom similar to the one seen in the early 2010s.