Poker might seem tricky at first with its range of terms and hands. However, this beginner's guide will walk you through the basics of how to play poker, even if you've never sat at a card table before.
We'll cover the main rules and the different hands you can make, as well as answer some common questions to help you get started. Don't worry if you don't know the terms yet - this guide is here to help.
By the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of how to play poker. Let's dive in.
Types of Poker: How Many Are There?
Poker comes in various forms, but some versions are more popular and easier to start with than others.
Texas Hold'em is the most widely played version. Each player gets two cards that only they can see (hole cards), and five community cards are dealt face-up in stages throughout the game for everyone to use. The aim is to make the best five-card hand.
Omaha is similar to Texas Hold'em but with a twist. Each player gets four private cards, and you must use exactly two of them with three of the five community cards.
Five Card Draw is another simple version. Players get five private cards and can choose to discard and redraw some of them to improve their hand.
Seven Card Stud doesn't use community cards. Each player gets seven cards, some face-up and some face-down, and the best five-card hand wins.
These are the main types, and they're great for beginners. Remember, the rules can vary slightly depending on where you play, so always check first.
What Is The Easiest Poker Game To Learn?
If you're just starting, Texas Hold'em is the easiest poker game to learn. It's the most popular version and the one you often see on TV.
In Texas Hold'em, each player gets two private cards called "hole cards". Then, five community cards are dealt face up in the middle of the table in stages. The aim is to make the best five-card hand using any combination of your two hole cards and the five community cards.
The game is straightforward because the rules are simple, and you can jump right in without needing lots of experience. Plus, there are many free resources and videos available to help you learn.
So, if you're new to poker, starting with Texas Hold'em may be the way to go. It's easy to understand, and you'll find plenty of games to play online and in person.
How To Play Poker
Basic Rules
Poker is a game where players bet on the value of their combined cards. The aim is to have the best hand or to convince others you do and get them to fold.
Start With Texas Hold'em
- Dealing the Cards: Each player gets two private cards (hole cards) dealt face down.
- The First Bet: Players can either check, bet, call, or fold based on their hole cards.
- The Flop: Three community cards are dealt face up in the centre.
- Second Bet: Players check, bet, call, or fold again.
- The Turn: A fourth community card is dealt face up.
- Third Bet: Another round of betting follows.
- The River: A fifth community card is dealt face up.
- Final Bet: One last round of betting happens.
- Showdown: Players still in the game reveal their cards, and the best hand wins the pot.
- Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit.
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards, all of the same suit.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
- Full House: Three of a kind plus a pair.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards of different suits.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
- Two Pair: Two different pairs.
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
- High Card: If no one has any of the above, the highest card wins.
Betting Options
- Fold: Give up your cards and any chance of winning the pot.
- Call: Match the current highest bet.
- Raise: Increase the bet within the limits of the game.
Understanding these basics of how to play poker can help you get started. Make sure to read more about the topic and to practise to become more comfortable with the game.
Poker Rules Explained In Simple Terms
As we mentioned before, there are many different poker games with slightly different rules. That's why it's always a good idea to read through the rules of any given poker game before playing because even the same type of poker game can have different "house rules" depending on where you're playing.
That being said, let's take a look at the main rules for Texas Hold'em, the most popular version of poker.
Texas Hold'em Poker Rules
The Deal:
Each player is dealt two private cards, called "hole cards".
Five community cards are placed face-up in the centre of the table in stages for all players to use.
Betting Rounds:
- First Round (Pre-Flop): Players bet based on their two hole cards.
- Second Round (Flop): Three community cards are dealt face up, and another round of betting occurs.
- Third Round (Turn): A fourth community card is dealt face-up, followed by another round of betting.
- Fourth Round (River): The fifth community card is dealt face-up, and the final round of betting takes place.
The Showdown:
If more than one player remains after the final betting round, players reveal their hole cards.
The best five-card hand wins the pot.
Hand Rankings:
Players use any combination of their hole cards and the community cards to make the best hand.
Hands are ranked from high card (lowest) to Royal Flush (highest).
By following these basic rules, you can follow along with a game of Texas Hold'em and understand how the rounds work. It might also be helpful to watch a few games or practise with friends to get the hang of it.
Poker Hands Ranked: What Beats What?
Understanding the ranking of poker hands is key to knowing if you've got a strong hand and whether you have won if you reach the showdown. Here's a simple guide from the highest to the lowest hand:
- Royal Flush: The best hand. A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit.
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards, all of the same suit. For example, 7, 8, 9, 10, J of hearts.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank, such as four 8s.
- Full House: Three of a kind plus a pair. For example, three 7s and two 2s.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. An example is 2, 5, 8, J, K of clubs.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards of different suits. For instance, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in different suits.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank, like three Kings.
- Two Pair: Two different pairs, such as two 3s and two 6s.
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank, like two 9s.
- High Card: If no one has any of the above, the highest hole card wins. For example, if your highest card is an Ace, and no one has any pairs or better hands, you win.
Learning these rankings can help you know where you stand and help you make better-informed decisions on what to do during the game.
Is Poker Gambling?
Yes, poker is considered a form of gambling. If you play poker, you place bets with real money, hoping to win more based on the strength of your hand and your ability to outplay your opponents.
Poker combines elements of skill and chance. The chance part comes from the cards you are dealt, which you cannot control. However, skill is involved in knowing when to bet, fold, or bluff, and this can significantly influence your success.
It's important to play responsibly. Set limits on how much time and money you spend on poker. Make sure you're aware that losing is a possibility and winning is never a guarantee. Also, never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
Understanding that poker is a type of gambling can help you approach the game in a balanced and responsible manner. Enjoy the game, but always play with care.
Poker Rake Meaning
In poker, the term rake refers to a small fee that the house (casino or poker room) takes from each pot. This fee helps the venue cover costs and make a profit.
How It Works
- Percentage of the Pot: Usually, the rake is a percentage of the pot, often capped at a maximum amount. For example, the house might take 5% of the pot.
- Taken Incrementally: The rake is collected during the game, often once the betting rounds reach a certain amount.
Why It's Important
Poker is played between players, so they lose money to each other, not the house. Therefore, the rake is important so that the house receives some money for facilitating the game. Understanding the rake is crucial because it affects your overall winnings. A high rake can potentially eat into any winnings, so it's something to consider when choosing where to play.
Knowing about the rake helps you make informed decisions about your poker game, ensuring you're aware of all the costs involved.
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Poker FAQs
Is Online Poker Rigged?
No, reputable online poker sites use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair play. Always choose licensed and regulated sites to guarantee a fair game.
What Is a Full House In Poker?
A Full House is a poker hand that consists of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank (i.e. a three-of-a-kind and a pair). For example, three 5s and two Kings.
What Is a Straddle In Poker?
A Straddle is an optional blind bet made before the cards are dealt. It is usually double the big blind, and the remaining players then have to call this amount or raise further to stay in the game.
What Is Short Deck Poker?
Short Deck Poker, also known as 6+ Hold'em, is a variation of Texas Hold'em. It uses a deck with 36 cards instead of 52, removing cards ranked 2 to 5. This change alters hand rankings and game dynamics.
What Is a Kicker In Poker?
A Kicker is a card that doesn't directly form part of your winning hand but can be used to break ties between similar hands. For example, if both players have a pair, the Kicker is the next highest card.