Poker is a centuries-old card game that tests your bluffing skills. There are many variants to try, but we will cover Texas Holdem in detail in this guide.
How to play Texas Holdem
Before playing any Texas Holdem game, you must decide what type you want to play. Cash games, sit-and-go, and regular tournaments are the most common.
Cash games are when you have a set amount of money to play with, e.g. $1000. A sit-and-go tournament is when you play against other players (2 – 10), and a regular tournament is when hundreds if not thousands of players play (like the WSOP) In tournaments, you play for a set amount e.g. $50, and you’ll also need to pay an amount to the online casino e.g. $5.
Before each game, two players post blinds, known as the big blind and small blind, which move around the table clockwise after each hand. These move around the table clockwise after each game. Once these are added into the mix, everyone is dealt with two cards face down.
Next is the betting round. If you have not posted any blinds, you can either call the big blind, raise the amount, or fold. If you have posted the small blind, you have the same option. If you are on big blinds and nobody has raised, you can either raise or check.
After, the dealer will place three cards in the middle of the table (called the flop). It’s always your job to make the best hand possible of the five cards. Once the flop is dealt there is another betting round where players raise, check, or fold.
Next is the turn (the fourth card dealt in the middle of the table). Once again, another betting round takes place and if players are still in the game, the final card (the river) is dealt with. From there, players can check or raise the amount of chips, and the game has finished.
Where to play Texas Holdem
Nowadays, you can play Texas Holdem at hundreds of websites on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Moreover, on many platforms, you can enjoy other casino games with just one account such as online slots, table games, and live dealer games.
Poker is easily one of the most popular online casino games, however, picking the right platform to play at can be a hassle. Fortunately, comparison sites are there to assist you. They analyze each site and provide an impartial review so you can make an informed choice. In addition, you can compare all the latest welcome bonuses and assess the payment options.
Card rankings in Texas Holdem
High card: When you have only the highest card against your players. The highest card is the ace, while the lowest rank is the 2.
Pair: A pair is when you have 2 of the same cards such as 2 7s, or 2 Kings. Once again, the highest rank pair is aces and the lowest is 2s.
2 Pair: This is when you hold 2 pairs. For instance, 1 pair of 4s and 1 pair of aces. Also, whoever has the highest pair will win the round. E.g. Aces and 2s beat Kings and Queens.
Three of a kind: A three-of-a-kind is when you have three of the same cards. You can either have a pair in your hand or one card to make three from the community cards.
Straight: A combination of cards in ascending order of any suit. E.g. 4,5,6,7,8
Flush: Having five cards of the same suit. For instance, 6,8,10, Q, and Ace of Hearts.
Full House: When you’ve got a three-of-a-kind and a pair. For instance, 3 8s and a pair of 6s.
Four or a kind: Four of a kind is when you’ve got 4 of the same cards e.g. 4 Kings.
Straight flush: The highest-ranking hand is a straight flush. For example, 7,8,9,10,J in spades. The best is Royal Flush which is 10 – Ace.