Poker

Online poker has been growing in popularity over the last few decades. Players no longer need to visit a poker or casino facility to play so this has allowed many more to develop a passion for the game.

Online poker is played around virtual tables with other players. Live poker sites stream directly from a casino and allow you to join live games from home. To play these you may require a poker chip set and a deck of playing cards.

If you have never played poker before, here is a basic guide:

Poker requires at least 2 players but may be played with up to 9. A dealer deals the cards and manages the game if you are playing in person but is playing online poker, the poker software automatically deals cards. Around the table there are different positions known as blinds, earlys, middles and lates. The objective of the game is to achieve the best 5 card combination.

Poker can have one or more rounds of betting in each game. A new game begins with the two players to the left of the dealer playing a forced bet once all have received their two private cards from the dealer. Other players then take turns to place their bets based on how strong they believe their hand is compared to that of the other players hands in the game. Poker bets take place in a clockwise direction around the virtual table. During the betting process, each player must either call (match) the previous high bet, or fold and lose their bet placed bet for that round. A player who matches the previous players bet may also decide to raise the stakes, increasing their bet. There are usually 4 rounds of betting but games may vary so check before you play. If, after all betting is completed, at least 2 players remain then the hand goes to a showdown in which the player with the best 5 card hand wins.

Popular poker games you may find online are:

• Texas Holdem (the most popular poker game version in the world!)
• Omaha
• 7 Card Stud
• Limit Hold’em

Poker is a strategic game and once you have mastered the basics, you can continue to develop your knowledge and playing skill over time.

If you’re ready to start playing, take a look at the recommendations we have put together and we wish you the best of luck!