Poker is one of the world’s most popular casino games. There are many varieties of the game but as a family, it is basically a comparing card game where players wager over which hand is best. Each game is played according to specific rules but there are standard rules that apply everywhere.
- In poker, there is something referred to as the ante. The ante is a small, mandatory bet that every player must contribute to the pot before the start of every game.
- The flop shows the first three community cards and prepares the stage for players to decide their next move in the hand.
- In each betting round, players are allowed to check, raise, call, or fold based on the strength of their hands and the moves made by other players at the table.
- Table stakes are designed to make sure players can only bet the chips they have on the table at the start of the hand. This makes it almost impossible to have unlimited raises during the gameplay.
- The best possible hand in poker is the royal flush. It includes the ace, king, queen, jack, and ten of the same suit. It’s rare but unbeatable, so always go for it when the opportunity arises.
- The straight flush is just a step below the royal flush. It contains five consecutive cards of the same suit, such as 5-6-7-8-9 of hearts. It’s powerful and can easily dominate most other hands in the game.
- Three of a Kind is a poker hand made up of three cards of the same rank, such as three queens. It’s a very strong hand, especially in games where players want to bluff opponents holding weaker combinations.
- Finally, When no player has a pair or better, the winner is determined by the highest-ranking card. This is called the high card. For example, an ace as your high card can secure a win in such scenarios.
Poker was first designed as a card based board game and gained its notoriety as that. However, with the world having gone digital today and with lots of games now adapted to online play, online poker has become quite a thing around the world. In 2024, there are 10,366 poker tables used in gambling locations worldwide. In 2022, the global online poker market was estimated to be worth $85.4 billion, but this figure is expected to grow to $170 billion by 2030.
Is Online Poker a Good Casino Game for Beginners? The Arguments For
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the arguments for online poker games as a good casino game for beginners who want to learn the ropes. As they say in poker, let’s put all our cards on the table, shall we?
Privacy and Security
Most importantly, you have privacy and anonymity when playing online. One of the drawbacks of playing poker in person is that it can sometimes get dirty and things could get nasty real quick. Not everyone takes defeat the right way, especially when money is involved.
In terms of security, people have been tailed from physical casinos and robbed of their winnings, or in worst case scenarios, their lives taken. You don’t have to worry about any of these things when you play online. Your identity is secure, your location is remote and your winnings are not paid in cash.
More Options Available
When you play in a physical poker room, your options are quite limited to whatever variant the house offers, especially when there’s a full house. Texas Hold’em is the most popular variant of poker and that’s what most casinos offer.
Because the best poker rooms typically don’t offer too many varieties, you could be limited in your choice. With online poker however, the opposite is usually the case. These platforms offer a variety of games for all categories of players ranging from beginners to pros.
Faster and More Efficient
Playing online poker is typically faster than the traditional board game, because the dealing is automated. Also, you don’t have to travel to any casino, which means you can save on gas, parking and any other associated costs that come with it.
Virtual poker sites also typically have a lower rake compared to traditional in-person casinos which take larger commissions. It is important to note that the poker site you register with can influence your experience. If you’re in the Philippines, you can take a look at the PAGCOR license list 2024 to find the best licensed online casinos to play poker.
Flexibility
You can’t play multiple tables at once in a physical poker room. With online poker games, it’s different. Playing different tables at a time will potentially increase volume of play, and your earnings. Also, you won’t need to adhere to Jack McClelland’s quote that says, “To be a poker champion, you must have a strong bladder.” You can play anywhere you want, even if it’s in the lavatory.
Bonuses and Other Benefits
Online poker games have other benefits including bonuses, freerolls, deposit matches, and loyalty programs which can all potentially increase your winnings. Also, playing in front of a screen is less intimidating than playing with other professionals in the same room. That’s a psychological boost if you’re the shy type. To add to all that, with online poker games, you don’t need to travel to Texas to play. So what happens online stays online.
Putting all these into consideration, online poker is definitely a good way for a beginner to explore the world of casino games. It provides a better learning curve, less pressure and more financial security that allows you to risk less while learning the ropes. Now let’s discuss how you can play and win real money in online poker.
How to Play and Win at Real Money Online Poker: 4 Valuable Tips from Experts
Poker is not only one of the world’s most exciting card games to play, it is also the most strategic. It typically combines strategy with skill and chance. One of the most important rules of poker is not to be so bothered about money. Like Doyle Brunson said, “In order to be a successful gambler you have to have a complete disregard for money.”
Fixating on the money clouds your thinking and can affect your strategy, and this won’t help you earn from online poker. Here are some tips by experts on how to win at online poker:
1. Understand the Basics First
You need to understand how poker works first before going into real money games. Learning about concepts like ante, the betting rounds, terms like flop, the table stakes and community cards will give you a better understanding of what you’re up to.
2. Master the Type of Poker You Prefer
It doesn’t matter whether you chose to play Texas Hold’em or Omaha poker. The most important thing is to focus on mastering one of them. For example, in Texas Hold’em, you’ll use the two cards in your hand and five (5) community cards to form the best possible five-card hand. Pay attention to each betting round to understand your opponents’ strategies and the strength of their hands.
3. Develop a Strong Betting Strategy
Strategy over money is how you up the ante in an online poker tournament. Every player out there is playing to get the money. Every player is playing to maximize their earnings. But you should be thinking more along the lines of “how”? How do I find the best hand?
Begin your journey by adjusting your bets according to the game’s table stakes. You can use smaller bets to bluff or probe your opponents, but don’t be too scared to raise aggressively when you have a strong hand after the flop. Always take into consideration your position and the size of the ante in each game.
Learn to Read the Table and Your Opponents
Poker is not just about playing your cards. You also have to read your opponents just as much. As you play, use the information you gather during each betting round to predict their actions. Notice how they behave after the flop or when placing their chips during table stakes games. Mentally taking note of these things can go a long way in helping you decide when to fold, call, or go all in.
The Bottom Line
As we’ve learned in this article, winning at real-money online poker requires more than just luck; it demands strategy, discipline, and a solid understanding of the game. Don’t forget that every game is a learning opportunity for you. Start small, play smart, and continually use what you’ve learned to improve your skills.
You’ll need a lot of practice and patience as you learn how to play, but at the end of the day, you’ll not only enjoy the thrill of poker but also increase your chances of coming out on top. Learn how to play, bet responsibly, stay sharp, and good luck at the tables!