The classic card game of poker combines psychology, skill, strategy, and chance. For centuries, people all around the globe have enjoyed playing poker, whether in informal home games or high-stakes casino tournaments. While poker may seem like a complex game reserved for high-stakes gambling, it is relatively easy to learn and can be just as enjoyable when played for low stakes. If you're new to poker and keen to learn, follow our straightforward guide.
Step 1: Familiarise Yourself With Poker
Like all casino games, poker involves an element of chance. The game uses a standard 52-card deck, which, in certain variations, may also include one or two jokers. While poker is traditionally played with a single pack of cards, most club and professional games use two packs of contrasting colours to speed up play. While one pack is being dealt, the other is shuffled and prepared for the next round.
There are three major branches of poker. In draw poker, each player's complete hand remains hidden until the showdown. In stud poker, some but not all of a player's cards are dealt face-up. In community-card poker, certain shared cards are used by all players to form their best hands. Almost any type of poker can be played in lowball or high-low formats. Texas Hold’em, the most popular poker variant, falls under the community card poker category.
The goal is to make the best possible hand using your hole cards (private cards) and community cards (table cards). Whoever holds the best hand without folding wins the pot. Players try to convince others that they have the best hand by increasing the pot (raising) or checking.
Step 2: Know the Terminology and Hand Rankings
As a game with a rich history, poker has developed its own extensive terminology. Some fundamental terms include:
Blinds: Two players to the dealer's left post small and large blinds—mandatory bets that initiate the betting and start the pot.
Hole Cards: Private cards dealt face-down to each player, forming the basis of their hand.
Betting Rounds: Players make decisions in turn, planning their strategy based on their cards and potential combinations. Options include raising, calling, and folding.
Community Cards: Face-up cards in the centre of the table that players use in combination with their hole cards to form a hand. The first three community cards are called the 'flop', and the final card is called the 'river'.
Showdown: The final phase of the game where remaining players reveal their hands. The highest-value hand wins the pot.
Before playing, it’s essential to understand hand rankings:
- High Card: The highest single card (Aces are the highest).
- Pair: Two matching cards.
- Two Pair: Two pairs of matching cards.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same value.
- Straight: Five sequential cards (e.g., 2-3-4-5-6).
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit.
- Full House: A combination of three of a kind and a pair.
- Four of a Kind: Four matching cards.
- Straight Flush: A sequence of five cards in the same suit (e.g., 3-4-5-6-7).
- Royal Flush: The highest possible hand—10, J, Q, K, A—all in the same suit.
Step 3: Understand the Game Phases and Player Actions
Poker consists of four phases. A round can end before all phases are completed if all but one player folds. The phases are:
- Pre-flop: Players receive their hole cards. The two players to the left of the dealer post the blinds to start the betting round.
- Flop: Three face-up community cards are dealt, followed by another betting round.
- Turn: A fourth face-up card is dealt, and another betting round takes place.
- River: The final community card is dealt, followed by the last betting round leading to the showdown.
Players can take several actions:
- Check: Skip betting but stay in the round (only if no bet has been placed in the round).
- Call: Match the current bet to stay in the round.
- Raise: Increase the previous bet amount.
- Fold: Leave the round, forfeiting any chips wagered so far.
- All-In: Bet all available chips.
Is There a Difference in How to Play Poker Online?
The biggest difference between live and online poker is the variety available online. While physical casinos may offer only a few variants, online platforms provide numerous options, including regional and niche variants.
Online poker is typically a solitary experience, differing from in-person games where players rely on physical cues and interactions. However, online poker has advantages such as controlling the pace of play. Video poker, a simpler version of the game, serves as an excellent introduction for beginners.
Live poker at online casinos bridges the gap between in-person and online poker. Players experience the social aspect of traditional poker while enjoying the convenience of online play.
H2 Takeaway
Poker is an enjoyable game whether played casually for pennies at home or at a high-stakes casino. Thanks to online platforms such as Prime Casino, players across the UK can access top online and live poker games.
One final piece of advice: always gamble responsibly. Set a budget, manage your time, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. When the fun stops, stop.
