Poker is an awesome game. It blends chance and skill to deliver a competitive and enjoyable experience. At least, that’s how it should be.

Whether you’re a recreational player who only occasionally joins in the action. Or you’re a serious grinder looking to better themselves and move up in stakes. You always want to be sure that poker remains fun.

Here’s how to do just that.

Stay within your bankroll limits

The first and most important way to make sure poker stays fun, is to always stick to your bankroll limits. Play at levels that you can afford and that you feel comfortable competing at. That applies both in terms of skill and the cost of the buy-ins.

Essentially, you want to be able to afford to lose the money that you use to play poker. That is to say, it shouldn’t badly impact your life off the tables.

Sticking to your bankroll allows you to focus more on playing the best poker strategy given your skill level.

Choose the right time to play

Even if you’re staying well within your limits, poker can become dull if you play it too often. If it becomes pure habit or all-consuming, then it’s definitely time to take a break.

The amount that you play is all down to personal preference. Some may find they can play often and never get bored. Others might find that they need to play only every now and then to maximize enjoyment.

This also depends on your goals. If you’re looking to progress as a player, then more volume makes sense. If you’re playing purely for recreation, then there’s no reason to overdo it.

Mix it up

There are good reasons for gaining experience in one type of game, such as cash games or tournaments. This will allow you to focus on becoming the best player possible and beating the games you play.

To go a step further, if you always play the same games within those categories you’ll also get to know the regulars. You can take notes and use these notes later on, gaining even more of an edge.

The downside to this approach is that it can get boring. To keep poker fun be willing to mix it up. Try different types of games. Dabble in more unusual varieties such as Omaha or PKO games. Or set aside one day a week to take a stab at a bigger tourney.

Always be willing to learn

Online poker can sometimes feel a bit like clicking buttons. Especially if you start to autopilot and stop thinking through decisions. In reality, there’s too much information for you to absorb, even if you’re concentrating on the games.

To make poker interesting, always be looking for opportunities to learn. Read and watch content off the tables. Then bring new knowledge and test out novel betting lines when you play.

If you encounter difficult situations you’re unsure about, record the hand and analyse it once your session is over. If you’re willing to learn, poker can stay fun for a long time to come.