Table Games
How to play poker

How to play poker

Poker requires skill, observation and strategy. Playing poker can give you a rush of excitement, especially with the potential to win money. However, understanding the rules is essential. This poker guide will cover poker basics, poker game rules, and how to play poker instructions. Read on to learn from our experts and get some tips to help you win.
Philip Lucas
By Philip Lucas | Updated 17 Sep 2024

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See All Online Poker for real money

How to play poker online step-by-step?

Below our experts have explained how to play poker for beginners with the main focus on  Texas poker hold 'Em online. These steps work for most poker variants, but always check specific rules before playing;
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STEP 1: Place your bets

Players place their bets before cards are dealt. In betting, there are ante bets, where every player contributes equally, and blinds, where the small bet is placed by the player to the left of the dealer, followed by a larger one by the next player.
Players receive two hole cards each. Now, they decide whether to check (pass the opportunity to bet), bet/call (match another player's bet), or fold if their hand is weak. When a player checks, the chance to bet or check passes clockwise. Once someone bets, all other players must call to match the amount.
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STEP 2: The community cards

Following the initial betting round, the flop, which comprises three face-up cards, is dealt. This prompts players to evaluate their hand strength, leading to another round of betting.
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STEP 3: Advancing to the turn

Next, the turn, which presents a fourth face-up card, is dealt. Players use this card to improve their hands, keeping in mind a hand consists of five cards.
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STEP 4: Hands are finalized

The river, the fifth face-up card, is then dealt. Players remaining in the game carefully assess their hand's strength. One last betting round happens before the showdown.
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STEP 5: Revealing the winner

During the showdown, players unveil their poker hands. The participant holding the best hand claims the pot. If there is a tie, the kicker, or highest card, decides the winner.
Multi-reel slots go beyond the traditional three-reel setup and often feature five or more reels. The additional reels allow for more symbols and combinations, resulting in greater excitement and potential payouts.

Basic poker rules

Before you start playing real money games in an online casino, you need to know some basic poker rules. Check out these poker rules for beginners;
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Blinds
Blinds
Most poker games have big and small blinds. These are compulsory wagers positioned by two players every round to augment the pot's worth. This practice is customary and inevitable, thus anticipating a favorable hand when it's your moment to contribute the blinds
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Decks
Decks
Almost all poker games use a single deck of cards. This prevents impossible hands like five or six of a kind. Shuffling and burning cards ensure players can't predict the next cards.
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Rake
Rake
In both land-based and online casinos, the house takes a percentage of the pot or tournament buy-in as profit. This usually ranges from 3-10% and is a standard practice.
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Chips
Chips
The quantity of chips allotted to you at an online poker table may fluctuate. This is contingent upon table restrictions and whether you're participating in a tournament. It's advisable to verify this in advance to prevent any unexpected occurrences.
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People
People
The number of players at a table can vary by casino. While a Texas Hold 'Em table could theoretically hold 20+ players, most poker online Texas hold sites limit tables to about 10. More than 10-12 players can make hands take too long.
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Cards
Cards
The quantity and arrangement of cards distributed, whether facing upwards or downwards, are contingent upon the variant of poker being played. Ensure you acquaint yourself with the regulations of your selected game before commencing play.

Poker Hand Rankings

Here is the ranking of Poker hands;
01

Royal Flush

A royal flush is the best possible hand, consisting of Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10, all in the same suit.

02

Straight Flush

Another seldom-seen combination, it involves any five consecutive cards of identical suits.

03

Four of a Kind

This grouping includes four cards of matching ranks, accompanied by an extra card.

04

Full House

Consisting of three cards sharing one rank and two cards of another rank.

05

Flush

Comprising five cards of matching suits, though not in sequence.

06

Straight

This hand encompasses five consecutive cards, each of different suits.

07

Three of a Kind

Recognized as trips, this hand comprises three cards of the same rank and two additional cards of distinct ranks.

08

Two Pair

Including two sets of cards sharing identical ranks and an extra card.

09

Pair

Comprising two cards of matching ranks and three supplementary cards.

10

High Card

A hand without any of the above combinations. The highest card in this set determines its value.

How to win poker?

Our team at Lucky Raja, has compiled the following expert tips to help you become a better poker player;

Playing too many hands can drain your chips quickly. Focus on a strong preflop strategy. Stick to a tight range of strong hands and play them with aggression. This makes it hard for opponents to read your hand, whether you have A-A or 7-6. Being tight and aggressive is key.

Limping as the first player is not advisable. Raising increases your chances to win the pot before the flop and prevents other players from getting good pot odds. Only limp if another player has already done so. This over-limping can give you great pot odds.

Effective bluffing is crucial in poker. Bluff with hands that have outs to improve, like straight or flush draws. These hands act as backup plans if your bluff is called. Avoid bluffing with total nothing hands early on.

Betting on your strong hands not only increases the pot but also safeguards your equity. Only check your strong hands if you’re unlikely to be outdrawn or if your opponent’s range is weak. When uncertain, opt for betting or check-raising. It's preferable to secure a modest pot than risking a substantial loss.

The big blind provides a discounted entry, making it advantageous to call raises with a wider range of hands. Make decisions to defend against raises based on variables like the raiser's position, the number of players involved, raise size, and stack depths. Play tighter against early position raises and looser against late position raises.

New players often struggle to fold overpairs like A-A or K-K. Top pairs should be folded if you believe your opponent has a stronger hand. Stick to folding aces in small pots and avoid big fold mistakes. Relinquishing your aces in these situations can save you from bigger losses.

A consistent approach at the tables ensures you know what strategies work best. Constantly trying new tactics will scatter your focus and make it harder to improve. Review your games and keep refining your tried and tested strategies. This builds a solid foundation for your poker skills.

Emotion-driven decisions can lead to big losses. When on tilt, you are prone to making irrational moves. Recognize when you're emotional and take breaks. Manage your emotions and return to the game with a clear, focused mind. Staying composed ensures you always make calculated decisions.

Reviewing your hands and learning from mistakes is key to improvement. Analyze your plays, understand where you went wrong, and avoid repeating those errors. Use tracking software or discuss hands with other players to gain insights. Learning continuously is essential for growth as a poker player.

Your seating position in relation to the dealer significantly impacts your strategy. Play tighter when out of position and looser when in position. Being in position allows you to act last, giving you more information to base your decisions on. Understanding this aspect can greatly enhance your gameplay.

What makes a good starting poker hand?

Understanding which hands to play is crucial in becoming a better player. Playing weak hands with poor odds can quickly drain your bankroll. To improve your chances, learn which hands to stick with and which to fold;
Group
Starting Hands
You only get two cards at the start, so make sure they are strong. Playing with strong cards avoids tricky situations. If you know you’re beaten, fold. It's simple. New players can win at low-stake games by playing tight and solid. Play strong hands and fold when you know you can't win.
Group
Marginal Hands
Hands such as 2-2, 3-3, and A-9 hold moderate potential for pre-flop calls, especially when positioned late in the game. You might disguise your hand and hit trips on the flop, allowing you to play aggressively.
Group
Strong Hands
High pairs like A-A, K-K, Q-Q, J-J, and 10-10 are great to raise with, especially in late position. Suited hands like A-K, A-Q, and A-J are also strong and good for making Continuation Bets when the flop doesn’t help you.
Group
Adapting to Table Dynamics
Online poker tables vary. On tight tables, mix up your starting hands to exploit weakness. For beginners, sticking to strong hands is a safe and sensible strategy, though it might seem dull at first.
Group
Medium Strength Hands
Hands like K-10, Q-10, J-10, and pairs like 9-9, 8-8, and 7-7 are good for raising, depending on your position and the table dynamics. They can also be called within an aggressive pre-flop round.

What are pot odds?

Pot odds help you decide if it's worth calling a bet. They represent the relationship between the current pot size and the cost of making a call. Knowing pot odds is essential in online poker.

Imagine you start with a pair of fours. The chance of hitting another four on the flop is about 7.5 to 1. This is because there are only two more fours left in the deck.

If you won't make at least 7.5 times your bet, don't call. For example, if the pot is $25 and you need to bet $5, your pot odds are 5 to 1. This isn't enough to justify the call.

If you call and the flop comes J-K-2, missing your set, your odds change. As more cards are revealed, your odds can improve. If you're then offered 10 to 1 odds to call, knowing your hand odds are about 9 to 1, you should call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Each poker variant, from HORSE to Omaha, has its own poker rules and quirks. Despite this, learning how to play poker is simple. The objective is to build a hand superior to your opponents'. Let's delve into Texas Hold'em poker, among the m ost straightforward and widely played variations. Here are the fundamental steps: players receive their cards and initiate betting. Subsequently, community cards are distributed, accompanied by betting rounds. Another card is unveiled, followed by additional betting. The last card is revealed, prompting another betting round. At the showdown, remaining players disclose their hands.

Learning how to play poker isn't hard. If you want to understand why so many love this game, Lucky Raja's guide to poker rules and basics is all you need.

Poker may seem complex at first, but it becomes simple once you start playing. In the game, the primary objective is to accumulate as many chips as possible. Beginners should not get bogged down by poker terminology or slang; these will become familiar with experience.

Poker predominantly relies on skill. A skilled player will eventually win against less experienced players. Unlike other casino games that pit players against the house, poker players compete against each other. Success in poker depends on studying, game selection, playing a high volume of hands, and managing your bankroll. However, luck does indeed play a part in poker, adding an element of chance to every hand. For example, pocket aces are favored over pocket kings in Texas Hold'em, but the kings will still win about one in five times. Even the best players experience unlucky stretches.

When players tie with the same high card, the subsequent highest card decides the winner. In Texas Hold'em, the Ace High stands as the pinnacle, while a 9 High Card sits at the lower end of the spectrum.

Cash games focus on winning money, whereas tournaments prioritize leading the chip board to secure substantial prizes. U ltimately, the primary aim remains consistent: possessing the superior hand at the opportune moment to claim the pot.

Achieving success in poker demands either adept bluffing skills or possessing the strongest hand during the showdown. The ultimate goal is to assemble the most formidable five-card hand possible, ranging from a high card to a Royal Flush.