69. Play Poker like a Pro
When it comes to Poker, many people think about the amazing tournaments that are broadcasted on TV as well; or some people have such thoughts in their minds like online poker is a difficult game to play at. In case they haven’t ever played, they surely consider Poker one of the most complicated games. Now we are here to prove you that it’s not like that and anyone can get used to Poker in no time, but one needs to practice it more so that he can start playing with other players. The information that we will be providing is for the ones who are beginners or who have never ever played on any variety of the Poker games. This way, you will be enlightened about specific rules, gaming process and particular tips. More precisely, we will talk about Texas Hold’em and Seven Card Stud Poker; as these are the most popular Poker games.
Let’s start with Texas Hold’em. The object of this game is to win the pots – this is consisting of the sum of money that is placed by players. The minimum number of players is of 2, while the maximum is 11. When the game begins, every single player places a bet known as “ante”. In addition, each player is dealt two cards which are face down (known as ‘hole cards’). Another round of betting takes place; these first two bets are called “blinds”, because these are forced bets. After this comes the “flop”; when three cards are dealt face-up on the middle of the table, which are common for all players. A betting round is following.
Then, one more face-up card is dealt next to the other three; this round is called the “turn”. Players place bets again.
Another card, a fifth one is dealt face-up which is the last one; this is known as the “river”. A last round of betting takes place. After the final round of betting, the “showdown” follows, when every single player shows his two hole cards which were dealt at the very beginning of the game. The player having the highest hand is the one who wins the pot; a hand is consisting of the combination of 5 cards out of 7.
Now, as we have given you information related to the process of Texas Hold’em, you have at least an idea about how it is played. It seems complicated at first glance, but when you start practicing it, it’s much easier. Above these, you are required to know the specific ranks and suits of the Poker cards and the card combinations. To make these clear for you, we are providing you additional information about cards. So, altogether there are 52 cards, among which every single card is formed of a suit and a rank. There are four suits: Diamonds, Spades, Hearts and Clubs. The ranks in number are thirteen, starting from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace. The last one is the highest rank available in Poker.
As we have mentioned above, a hand is consisting of 5 card combination. Probably this is confusing for you, because you are holding 2 cards in your hands and 5 other cards are common for players; altogether there are 7 cards in the game of Texas Hold’em. The difference is that a hand is made up of the combination of five cards.
There are 10 types of card combinations: High Card, Pair, Two Pair, Three of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, Straight Flush and Royal Flush. These are listed starting from the lowest to the highest value.
- High Card: It is said that a player has a ‘High Card’ when he has none of the specified hand combinations; so he cannot win anything.
- Pair: This is consisting of two cards of the same rank and three other cards – these are known as ‘kickers’.
- Two pair: This is formed of one ‘kicker’, one pair of cards of the same rank and other two cards having the same rank. To make you understand this better, here is an example: two Jacks, two Queens and a 6 for instance.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards having the same rank and one ‘kicker’.
- Straight: This is formed of five consecutive cards, taking into consideration their ranking.
- Flush: The Flush means five cards of the same suit.
- Full House: When your hand is formed of three cards of the same rank, plus other two cards of the same rank, you have a Full House.
- Four of a Kind: This type of hand contains four cards which have the same rank, but different suit, plus one ‘kicker’. The kicker plays a great role when some players have the same kind of hands, because its value is taken into consideration in such a situation.
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards having the same suit.
- Royal Flush: This is the highest hand combination in the game of Poker it is consisting of a 10, Jack, Queen, King and an Ace.
Now, let’s take a look at the bets and the options you are given. During your game, in case nobody has opened the bet, you can “check”, which means that you have made up your mind not to place a bet on that very moment. Then, when someone is opening a bet, you are required to place the same value in case you want to stay in the hand. This is when you “call”. If you do not accept the amount of bet that is placed, you have the option to “fold”. When you do this, you can no longer take part in the hand. To “raise” means to increase the amount of placed bet, and, in such circumstances, every single player needs to match this bet if he wants to remain in the hand. If you consider that you have a higher hand than your opponents, you can bet “all in”, which means that you bet all your cash.
These are the main options you can choose from during your Poker game.
Besides these, there are some important facts you need to pay attention to while playing: for instance your position. The most appropriate position is the last one, known as button, because before your turn comes you can see what the other players are doing. You can easier decide what is best and advantageous for you.
In what Seven Card Stud Poker is consisting of, its rules and process is different, comparing to Texas Hold’em. It is played from 2 to 8 players; cards are dealt in such a way that the dealer gives one card to each player, starting from the person who is on his left side. Then, another set of cards are dealt, so every single player has two cards face-down. In addition, everybody gets one more card which is face-up, and the first round begins. Unlike Texas Hold’em, at Seven Card Stud Poker the suit also plays a great role by itself, as it is taken into consideration like this, from the weakest to strongest:
- Clubs;
- Diamonds;
- Hearts;
- Spades.
Several times the players are dealt face-up cards one by one; and, by the end, every player is going to have seven cards, out of which he needs to make the best five cards. The player who has the strongest hand is the winner.
Basically, these are the main facts about Seven Card Stud Poker. Depending on your tastes, you can choose from different types of Poker games, and you will surely benefit of an exciting entertainment and you cannot get bored.
Poker is known for its great excitement that it has to offer for gamblers, and it is one of the oldest games.
The above mentioned information is extremely useful for new players and beginners; all it takes for you now is giving it a try and practicing it as much as you can. The more you practice in the best online casinos, the more experience you gain. As a good piece of advice, you shouldn’t play for real money unless you get used to its rules and procedures. After a period of time you will be able to start betting for real money and win in the same time.
Select your favorite Poker game and enjoy your play in the amazing and relaxing atmosphere!
