Poker is one of the world’s oldest gambling games and has long been a part of the culture in the US and other regions. Traditionally played at casinos and bars in places such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the arrival of online casinos has meant that the poker experience is now available to a much wider audience. In fact, poker became so popular during the 2000s and 2010s that there was a global poker boom, and some of the top players became famous beyond the world of poker.
The poker sector isn’t quite so intense these days, but millions of people still play the game in all its variations and at all levels. Still, the world of poker may seem daunting to newcomers, so we’ve put together this short guide to help you get started.
Poker and its legality in the US
Is it legal to play online poker in the US? Yes, but with restrictions. While the sports betting sector has been liberalized in recent years, online casino gaming, including poker, is less widely available. Six states have legalized online casino gaming, but of these, only four: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Rhode Island, offer online poker. You can also play poker online in Nevada.
What type of poker?
The first thing to bear in mind is that there are multiple versions of poker. The most common forms are Texas Hold’em, Five Card Stud, Omaha and Five Card Draw, but there are many others.
In online poker, Texas Hold’em has been dominant over the last 20 years and is the version that is likely to have the most players online, but it is worth checking out the different forms and styles of the game to find the one that suits you. You can sometimes do this in free play mode, which is a good way to get to know the rules, terminology and strategy associated with the game.
Rules and terminology
As with any game, it is important to understand the rules and the terminology associated with your version of poker. Some of them are common to multiple variations of the game. For instance, the “flop” (three cards dealt face upwards), the “straight” (five cards in sequence) and “all-in” (betting your entire stack) can be found in several poker variants. Read the rules in full and try to watch some online poker being played, and when you’re ready, play the game in free mode to familiarize yourself with it.
Poker hands and betting strategy
One of the most important parts of learning poker is to understand the way that hands are ranked. A poker hand is typically made up of five cards, and there are numerous card combinations, each with their own value. For example, in Texas Hold’em, a “straight flush” is a hand of five cards of consecutive rank in the same suit. This hand beats almost every other hand in the game, apart from the “royal flush”, which is a straight flush that features ace-king-queen-jack-10, all of the same suit.
Understanding how the betting works in poker is another crucial element. Usually, the betting in a game of poker will proceed around the table in a clockwise order, and this means that where you are positioned in relation to the other players will determine your strategy. In fact, as any gambling or poker advice site will tell you, position in poker is crucial and you may have to play the same starting hand very differently, depending on whether you are in a late or early position.
Cash play or tournament
Another important factor to consider is what format of poker you are going to play. There are generally two forms: cash play or tournament play. Cash games continue indefinitely, with new players replacing those who leave or who exhaust their bank roll. The amount you stand to win is based on the cash that other players bet, and some online poker players grind away at multiple cash games for hours.
Tournament play, on the other hand, involves betting with chips that are not directly related to cash. Instead, players pay an entry fee, which is pooled, and prizes are awarded for the top 10 or top 20 finishers. Tournaments, like cash games, can be limit or no limit, which refers to whether there is a limit on how much money a player can bet with during the game. New players are always advised to stick with limit poker to avoid losing too much money while learning.
Choosing an online poker site
When you’re ready to get playing, you’ll need to sign up to a poker site, and there are some important factors to bear in mind when you’re choosing your poker-playing venue.
Licensing. Make sure that the site you are planning to use holds a license from the relevant state gambling regulator. For example, in Rhode Island, this is the Department of Business Regulation.
Types of poker. Check that your site features the version of poker that you want to play. Most poker sites will offer Texas Hold’em, but it may be harder to find places to play other variants.
Bonuses. Poker sites offer bonuses for new players, but it is important to check out the terms and conditions of these offers, as there are usually restrictions affecting your ability to profit from them.
Payment options. Check that a poker site provides the types of payment methods that you are likely to use. It is also a good idea to check out deposit and withdrawal limits and speeds.
Customer support. Good customer support is important, particularly when you are new to a game. Look for sites that offer fast and efficient support, available 24/7 through multiple contact options.
Have fun but stay safe
Poker can be a fun leisure activity, but it is important to be aware of the risks. Some players can develop gambling problems, even becoming addicted, so make sure that you only play poker with money that you can afford to lose, and set strict limits on the time and money you devote to poker. That way, you can maximize your enjoyment of this fascinating game while staying safe.
