A Guide to Online Poker

Poker is one of the most popular card games on the planet, enjoyed by numerous people. Thanks to the launch of online casinos, the popularity of online poker has flourished and become even more popular. But what do people need to know about this game before they begin to play?

Seven card stud, five card draw or Texas holdem – whichever variant of poker you want to play there are a number of different rules which need to be understood in order to stand a chance of success. Details on these games and casinos can be found on a number of sites, such as at http://www.casinochoice.co.uk, but a brief overview is provided below:

Seven Card Stud

This consists of five betting rounds following an initial ante. Players receive three hold cards which are not seen by other players and have access to four communal cards which are shared by all. Players must make their five card poker hand from a combination of the cards at their disposal.

Five Card Draw

One of the oldest forms of the game, five card draw is perhaps the simplest form of poker. The game has only two rounds of betting following the initial ante. Players receive five hold cards, which cannot be viewed by other players, and may change any number of them after the first stage of betting.

Texas Holdem

Perhaps the most popular of the poker forms, this game is fast paced with high betting possibilities and simple rules. There are four rounds of betting within this game, giving players multiple chances to exit the game. The game consists of each player receiving two hold cards, which are not seen by the other players, and having access to five community cards (shared by all players) in order to make up a five card hand.

Poker Hands

For those new to the game of poker the most important thing to understand is what poker hand beats what. The following is a list of poker hands from highest to lowest.

Royal Flush

This is an ace-high straight flush: so a ten, jack, queen, king and ace of the same suit. Modern rules sometimes state that a royal flush refers to the suit of hearts only.

Straight Flush

Five cards in sequential order of the same suit.

Four of a Kind

Four cards of the same value or rank, so four kings.

Full House

A combination of a pair and three of a kind.

Flush

Five cards of the same suit. These do not have to be in sequential order.

Straight

Five cards in sequential order but not of the same suit.

Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same value or rank, so three kings.

Two Pair

Two sets of pairs (two cards of the same value), so two kings and two jacks.

Pair

Two cards of the same value, so two kings.