Poker is one of the most popular casino games in the world, and it has held onto that title for a long time! And today, players can enjoy numerous real-life or online Poker variants, each presenting a unique set of perks, ground rules, and ways to scoop massive payouts.
For instance, in Hold’em, each player gets two “hole” cards, five “community” cards, and countless thrills before reaching the final betting round. Omaha is similar but with four hole cards. As for the five-card draw, players get five cards, change them as needed, and then see who wins.
But let’s take it from the top. How did we end up loving and playing Poker games? Which tested tactics should you try? Keep reading and master the game!
If you’re keen on learning all about similar pastimes loved by countless players worldwide, check out our extensive section of articles introducing you to the hottest live casino games with tested tips and tactics to make a haul.
The Long History of Poker: A Game of Asian Emperors
According to some studies, one of today’s most popular live casino games originated in Imperial China. It is believed that the first variant of domino-card Poker emerged back in the 10th century under the name of Mahjong, introduced by the Emperor himself!
Six centuries later, the Persians created their version of the game. The Persian version spread to Europe through Spain, where people called it Primero. From there, it started taking France and Germany by storm, generating their popular games of Poque/Pochen.
Eventually, Poker arrived in the United States. And the rest is history!
Origins of Poker as We Know It: 19th Century America
Poker’s more familiar background story takes place in late 19th-century New Orleans. And the French settlers appear to be its founders on the new soil. Many historians claim it derived directly from Poque. However, expert players doubt this theory because of Poque’s drawn-out rules.
Back then, it entailed a deck of 20 cards. The main rule implied four players betting on whose hand will be the most valuable.
In the years to come, Poker evolved and was refined, becoming one of the most famous games in brick-and-mortar and online casinos worldwide.
How to Play Poker: Basic Poker Rules
The first rule of Poker requires a regular deck of cards with no Jokers and at least two players. And while there are numerous versions of the game, it all came down to a single classification – Draw and Stud Poker.
In Stud Poker, each player gets five to seven cards, depending on the variant, and wager chips according to each card’s strength. One player makes the bid, and ultimately, the best hand wins, obtaining all the chips.
In Draw Poker, each player receives five cards, and a betting round follows. Players can try to enhance their hands by trading from one to a maximum of three cards to new ones from the deck. And an Ace in hand grants a chance to switch four cards.
Stud poker reigned supreme during the days of the American Revolutionary War. The 5-card draw became the game of choice in the Old West and for much of the 20th century. In the modern age, it’s all about Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
How to Play Texas Hold’em – Essential Rules
A player in Texas Hold’em aims to use two hole cards combined with the five community cards to assemble the best possible five-card poker hand. While similar to other games like five-card draw, Texas Hold’em has unique traits.
First, players are dealt two “hole” cards (face down). Then, throughout the betting rounds (usually four), five community cards are given to each player. These are placed face-up on the table’s center.
The game starts with an initial betting round called the pre-flop. Then, the flop follows, a round when players get the first three community cards. The fourth card’s round is the turn, and the final card is dealt during the river.
Players can use both hole cards combined with three community cards or a single hole card with four face-up cards. Finally, they can dodge hole cards and use community cards only.
If all players but one abandon the game (fold), the “last one standing” triumphs and collects the prize! Alternatively, the Texas Hold’em Poker game could end in a tie. In that case, it all comes down to a split pot game, sharing the Poker chips among two or more players who have the winning hand.
How to Play Omaha Poker – Elementary Rules to Follow
While Texas Hold’em leaves you with multiple choices when forming the best hand, Omaha is a bit trickier because every player must use two hole cards out of the four cards dealt.
For example, if all hearts are displayed on the board, and you are holding an ace of hearts and a king of clubs, it would be a flush in Texas Hold’em. But if playing Omaha, this is an ace’s high hand.
There are three common types of bets in Omaha Poker, Pot Limit being the most popular. Here, the maximum amount you can bet is the sum of all the chips in the pot. No Limit is the most cutthroat betting option, and players can raise or bet as much as they want. Finally, a Fixed Limit bet allows the pot to be raised four times at max.
The betting rounds in Omaha Poker include the pre-flop, the flop, the turn, the river, and the showdown, where players reveal their cards.
Hand-Ranking System – Card Values in Poker
If you want to learn how to play Poker games, you must be clear about the hand-ranking system and know the precise value of each card.
High Card
When you don’t have a pair or above, your hand is judged based on its highest card. Ace has the highest value, so the values run from 2 to A.
For instance, if you reveal 4, 6, 8, 9, and Q, your hand is valued as “Queen High.” If your opponent has 3, 5, 6, 8, A, they will win with an “Ace High.”
Pair & Two Pairs
If you have two cards of the same value, it’s a pair. It beats a high card, but it’s one of the lower-value hands in Poker. For instance, the following hand would be a pair of 8s: 3, 4, 5, 8, 8.
If someone else has a pair of 8s, the winner is decided by the high card. In the above example, the player is beaten by 8, 8, 10, J, and A since his highest card is lower in value than A.
Two pairs entail two matching combinations, e.g., two 8s and two 9s.
Three of a Kind
Add another 8 to that pair of 8s, and you have three of a kind. There are only four cards of a single kind per deck, so this is much rarer than a pair.
Straight
A straight occurs when there are five consecutive cards, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. They don’t need to be in the same suit.
Flush
If all five cards are in the same suit, such as 5, 7, 10, J, and A of spades, it’s a flush. A flush hand is ruled when there are a couple of pairs among those cards, as lower hands are trumped by higher ones.
Full House
When you have three of a kind in combination with a pair, such as 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, it is considered a Full House.
Four of a Kind
Four of a kind is when you have four matching cards, such as all four 8s.
Royal and Straight Flush
A straight flush is a straight hand of the same suit. As for a royal flush, the consecutive/flush cards must be the highest five in the deck: 10, J, Q, K, A. It is the best hand in most games of Poker but also incredibly rare. Many players will go their entire careers without ever landing this superb combo.
The Winners’ Guide: Common Poker Strategies
The most fail-proof tactics for anyone wanting to play Poker like a pro start with playing fewer hands and learning to bluff effectively. And each strategy’s common element is patience.
To learn more about Poker strategies and master other similar games, check out GemBet’s extensive guides on “How to Play” popular casino games.
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Build a Pre-Flop Strategy
First, build your pre-flop strategy around a narrow range of strong hands. And if you do it combatively, you’ll hide the actual value of your hand and gain an advantage over the opponents.
And be sure to avoid the limp if no one else has done it first. You must dodge calling the big blind pre-flop before another player does it.
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Assess Your Strong Hands
You should bet your strong hands to boost the pot immediately after the flop – but only if you’re confident you won’t be outdrawn! And if you’re unsure about the outcome, it’s only wise to fold.
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Watch Your Opponent’s Behavior
Some players “bluff with nothing” quite often. If your opponent doesn’t check hands that can trigger multiple bets on time, they’re likely to draw the wrong move and end up with a pretty weak hand.
You can spot the opportunity to win if you see your opponent check hands on the flop and the turn.
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Steal the Blinds
Stealing the blinds is the best bluff in the book. This strategy gives you the upper hand regardless of your hand’s actual strength.
So, if two players don’t fight back in the small and big blind, don’t fold. They likely hold weak hands, and you may be in for a huge prize!
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3-bet Light & 4-bet Light
A 3-bet light means you’d re-raise light, often before the flop, even if you don’t hold a rock-solid hand. It’s a winning move if you can tell that your opponents have tight and weak hands by seeing them raising in a blind.
A 4-bet light takes this tactic to a new level, meaning you should re-raise if another player tries to pull a 3-bet light on you. And the best moment to do so is when you hold small-suited aces.
Welcome to the Era of Online Poker
Our essential guide on Poker games will help you play like an expert in any land-based or virtual casino. However, visiting an online Poker casino has a massive advantage over a traditional brick-and-mortar establishment.
Firstly, an online Poker game has a faster pace and fewer tells! This session allows you to multi-table, as opposed to a single table, with 30-40 hands played in a real-life casino every hour. Also, playing in a virtual Poker casino may hide your facial expressions and body language, helping you pull a bluff more easily.
Finally, playing Poker on the Internet is more convenient than physically visiting a casino. There’s something extra sweet about cashing in big time without leaving your home! But apart from avoiding the commute and crowded rooms, a well-established online casino usually offers more varied games.
Keep your eyes peeled for more insights about online Poker and other popular games on GemBet – the best-ranked casino in Southeast Asia! And stay tuned for fresh live casino news that introduce brand-new pastimes available on our platform, analyzing each innovative game released by the hottest industry providers.
Play Poker in a Top Rated Online Casino!
We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide on online Poker variants – the most timeless and widespread casino games in the world!
Apart from its rich history, we tried to summarize the basic rules, card values, and some simple and effective strategies. Finally, we took you on a journey toward the final betting round of the game’s popular variations like Texas Hold’em and Omaha Poker.
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