Poker is a revolution in card games, which leads to excitement to the next level. The game is accessible to players through online and land-based casinos. However, which one to choose is with your discretion. The excitement to play online casino led to a dedicated World Series of Poker. Well, if we dive into the history of Poker’s origin, there is very little data available. Still, according to available data, it is expected to begin in the early 16th century in Germany. Later, the various changes took place in its format as it got popular.
Since then, there have been a lot of poker various till now. Currently, Texas Hold’em is among the top choices. If you are a beginner and looking to test your hand in Poker, you must start with some basic information. In this guide, we will cover how to play poker, its rules, hand strategies and some basic etiquette.
Basic Poker Rules
Begin by knowing about basic poker rules so that you may not unintentionally violate the criteria. The game requires a traditional card deck having 52 total cards of 4 suits. The game’s format is favourable to multiplayers, which can be enjoyed with 2-6 players. In this game, the Joker cards have no value, therefore, they are kept out of the game.
The priority of all the players is to make a good hand ranking using the 5 available cards. The standard rankings determine the outcome of the game, as to who won and who lost.
How to Play Poker: Step-by-Step Procedure
The reason why poker is a game of all ages is due to its easy gameplay and extraordinary excitement. But, beginners often find it difficult to play poker game for the first time. Why? It is just because of unfamiliarity with its rules and play procedure. You can easily begin playing in no time, but mastering it requires good strategies and utmost dedication. Understand the following terms before you begin your journey to play Poker.
- Blinds: Blind is a part of the first round when a mandatory bet is made from the left of the dealer. There can be small and big blinds, the they remain between 2 to 3.
- Ante: Each player contributes to the pot money by making a bet called Ante. It is collected before the first round begins.
- Check: Check is said when a player doesn’t want to make a bet, and his turn gets forwarded to the next player.
- Fold: Fold is used when players don’t get strong enough cards to begin their game. This allows them to refrain from 1st round.
- Call: Call is said when a player wants to call the last best. It is done without making a raise.
- Raise: This term is used when a player wants to increase the bet amount. It acts as a challenge for others to respond to the raise.
Steps to Play
- Step 1: Pre-Flop – In pre-flop, the dealer gives 2 hole cards to everyone, and players to the left of him make the mandatory blind bets.
- Step 2: Flop – After completing the first round, the 3 community cards are distributed. This makes the base to begin the second round.
- Step 3: Turn – It is a situation after a second round, where another community card is given, and the next round begins.
- Step 4: River – Before the showdown, the 5th card is distributed for playing the final round.
- Step 5: Winner – The player who made the strongest hand wins the pot money and along with all previous rounds.
Poker Hand Ranking
Here is the detailed structure of Poker Hand rankings:
- Royal Flush: It is the strongest hand combination in the poker game, characterised by the sequence 10-J-Q-K-A of any suit.
- Straight Flush: Straight Flush stands at the second ranking. This combination is formed through the ranking sequence. For example, 9-10-J-Q-K.
- Four-of-a-Kind: To make this type of card combination, you require 4 cards having snake rank but different suits. For example, K-K-K-K-Q, where all Ks are of different suits.
- Full House: The Full House hand combination has 3 cards of the same rank and 2 cards of another rank. It looks like Q-Q-Q-6-6.
- Flush: If you form a hand combination with 5 cards of the same suit, the combination is a Flush. In this, the sequence doesn’t matter. For eg, A-6-7-J-K having the same suit.
- Straight: This combination requires a sequence of 5 cards. For example, 7-8-9-10-J with any suit.
- Three of a Kind: This hand combination is formed when you have 3 cards of the same value from different suits. For example, 8-8-8-10-K.
- Two Pair: If you have two pairs of the same rank cards, the combination is called two pair. For example, 8-8-9-9-J.
- One Pair: A one-pair hand combination includes a single pair of the same rank with different suits. The strongest hand wins if a draw is the outcome.
- High Card: High card hand combination is characterised by a single highest card in the combination, while no other ranking is possible. For example, A-2-5-Q-10.
Some Poker Etiquette and Tips for Beginners
Here are some essential tips for beginners to have a healthy start.
- Begin by knowing about the risk of starting hands. The changes in making a good hand depend on the type of card you received.
- Players who do not find a little scope to win the round should call the bet as the best response.
- If you are getting good cards, and there is a chance to make a good hand, it is better to raise the bet.
- If a player is in a situation where making a good hand is entirely impossible, he should call for the fold. The wise decision is to hold for this round and begin on the next round.
- Set a budget in advance, so that you may not lose excess money.
These etiquettes ensure you engage in responsible gambling where you are aware of your decision and the potential of winning and losing.
Conclusion
Poker is a fascinating game that combines strategy, psychology, and a bit of luck. For beginners, the key is to understand the basic rules, master the hand rankings, and follow proper etiquette at the table. Practice and patience are essential. Start slow, enjoy the learning process, and always play responsibly.
Whether you aspire to play with friends, compete in online tournaments, or join a live cash game, building a solid foundation in poker will enhance both your confidence and enjoyment.
