How to Play Poker: Basic Poker Rules for Beginners

Poker is a popular card game that mixes skill, strategy, and a little luck. It can be played at a brick and mortar or an online casino worldwide.

Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience but need a refresher, this guide will teach you how to play poker and will cover all the essential poker rules.

By the end, you’ll be ready to join a game confidently and maybe even win a few hands.

Understanding the Basics of Poker

Before talking about the specifics of poker game rules, it’s crucial to understand the basics of the game.

Poker is played with a standard 52 card deck. The goal is to win chips or money, either by having the best hand or convincing your opponents to fold.

The primary objective of poker is to win the pot, which is the sum of all bets made during a hand.

You can win the pot by having the highest-ranking hand when it’s time to show your cards or by convincing all other players to fold before the showdown.

Poker Hands

Poker hands are ranked from highest to lowest. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit.
   
2. Straight Flush: When you have five consecutive cards of the same suit.
   
3. Four of a Kind: Having four cards of the same rank.
   
4. Full House: Have three of a kind plus a pair.
   
5. Flush: Have five cards of the same suit but not in sequence.
   
6. Straight: Have five consecutive cards of different suits.
   
7. Three of a Kind: Have three cards of the same rank.
   
8. Two Pair: Have two different pairs.
   
9. One Pair: Have two cards of the same rank.
   
10. High Card: When no other hand is made, the highest value card wins.

How to Play Online Poker: Step-by-Step Guide

Below is a step by step process of how to play online poker, specifically focusing on Texas Hold ‘Em.

These steps can generally be applied to most poker variants, but always check for any variant-specific rules before you start playing.

Step 1: Choose a Reputed Online Casino

Research and select a trusted online casino. Look for reviews and licenses. Enter your details and create a username and password to sign up on the casino website.

Deposit to casino your wallet using a bank card, e-wallet, or other available payment methods. Now, go to the poker section and choose a game that interests you, such as Texas Hold’em.

Step 2: Place Your Bets

Before the cards are dealt, all the players place their bets. These include ante bets, where all players contribute an equal amount, and blinds, where the player immediately to the left of the dealer places a small bet and the next player places a larger one.

Players then receive two hole (face-down) cards each. At this stage, players decide whether to check (decline the opportunity to start betting), bet/call any bets (match another player’s bet), or fold if they have a weak hand. Each time a player checks, the opportunity to bet or check is passed clockwise to the next player. Once a player makes the first bet, all remaining players must call to match that amount.

Step 3: Posting the Blinds

Blinds are forced bets that create initial action and are posted before any cards are dealt. There are two types of blinds:

• Small Blind – The player immediately to the left of the dealer posts this.
• Big Blind -The player to the left of the small blind posts this.

Step 4: The Betting Rounds

Poker consists of several betting rounds. Here’s how they unfold:

• Pre-Flop – After receiving their hole cards, players can call i.e. match the big blind, raise the bet, or fold (discard their cards).

• The Flop – Three community cards are dealt face up in the center of the table. These cards are shared by all players.

• The Turn – A fourth community card is dealt face up.

• The River – A fifth and final community card is dealt with its face up.

Step 5: The Showdown

After the final betting round, players reveal their hole cards. The player with the best hand wins the pot. If all other players fold, the last remaining player wins without showing their cards.

Common Poker Variants

Here are a few popular and easy variants of poker:

Texas Hold’em

In Texas Hold’em, each player is dealt two hole cards, and five community cards are dealt in the center. Players use any combination of their hole cards and the community cards to make the best hand.

Omaha

Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em, but players receive four hole cards and must use exactly two of them, plus three community cards, to form their hand.

Seven-Card Stud

In Seven-Card Stud, there are no community cards. Players receive seven cards, three down and four up, and must make the best five-card hand.

Advanced Poker Strategies

Once you’re comfortable with the basic poker card rules and game flow, you can start incorporating more advanced strategies to improve your game.

Reading Your Opponents

One of the most critical skills in poker is reading your opponents. Pay attention to their betting patterns, body language, and timing to get clues about the strength of their hand.

Bluffing

Bluffing is a technique used to deceive opponents into thinking you have a stronger hand than you do. A successful bluff requires good timing and understanding of your opponent’s moves.

Position Play

When you are playing in the real world, your position at the table impacts your strategy. Being in a later position allows you to see how your opponents act before you make your decision, giving you a strategic edge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Playing Poker

Playing Too Many Hands

Beginners often make the mistake of playing too many hands. It’s essential to be selective and only play strong hands, especially in early positions.

Overvaluing Suited Cards

While suited cards can form flushes, they don’t improve your hand’s strength as much as many beginners think. Don’t overvalue them, especially if the rest of your hand is weak.

Ignoring Position

Failing to consider your position can lead to poor decision-making. Always be aware of where you sit relative to the dealer and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Using a Poker Rules Chart

A poker rules chart is a handy reference for beginners that outlines all the hand rankings, betting rules, and common strategies.

Having one on hand can help you quickly recall information during a game.

Conclusion

Poker is a fascinating and dynamic game that offers endless opportunities for learning and improvement.

By understanding the basic poker rules and developing your skills, you can enjoy this timeless card game while also potentially winning big.

Also Read: 15 Types of Poker Games You Must Play

FAQ’s about Poker