Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, and now, by playing poker on Premier Poker, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the rules and strategies to start winning! In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to take your first steps in poker, from card rankings to playing rules.
What is Poker?
Poker is a card game that combines strategy, luck, and skill. The aim is to build the best possible hand or to outplay your opponents into folding. There are many variations of poker, but the most well-known and widely played online is Texas Hold’em, which we’ll explain in this article.
Number of Cards and Hand Rankings in Poker
Poker is played with a 52-card deck. Each playing card has a rank, ranging from 2 to Ace, with Ace being the highest. There are four suits, namely hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs.
Consequently, poker hands have different ranks. Therefore, the goal of playing poker is to achieve the best possible combination of five cards. We will break down the poker hand rankings below, starting from the strongest to the weakest.
Poker Hand Rankings
- Royal Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit, from 10 to Ace. Example: 10, J, Q, K, Ace of spades.
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit. Example: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of diamonds.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank. Example: 8, 8, 8, 8, and any other card.
- Full House: Three cards of one rank and two of another. Example: K, K, K, 3, 3.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. Example: 2, 5, 9, J, Q of clubs.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards of different suits. Example: 4 of hearts, 5 of diamonds, 6 of spades, 7 of clubs, 8 of hearts.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank. Example: 7, 7, 7 and two other different cards.
- Two Pair: Two pairs of cards of the same rank. Example: 9, 9, 5, 5, and one other card.
- One Pair: A single pair of cards of the same rank. Example: Q, Q and three other different cards.
- High Card: If you don’t have any of the combinations above, your hand is ranked by the highest card. Example: Ace of clubs.
How Poker is Played
Each player receives two private cards, visible only to them. Another five cards are dealt face-up on the table for all players. The goal is to combine your two cards with the five on the table to make the best five-card hand possible. Now, let’s look at the stages of the game.
Stages of the Game
Poker has four betting rounds, which follow these steps:
- Pre-Flop: Before the game begins, two mandatory bets—the small blind and the big blind—are placed to initiate the betting. These bets are made by the two players sitting to the immediate left of the dealer/button. The small blind is typically half the amount of the big blind. After these forced bets, the player to the left of the big blind starts the first round of betting, and it continues clockwise around the table. Once all players have had their turn to act, the first stage of the game begins.
- Flop: Three cards are dealt face-up on the table. These community cards can be used by all players.
- Turn: A fourth community card is dealt on the table, followed by a new round of betting.
- River: The fifth and final community card is dealt on the table, giving players a last chance to bet.
After the final betting round, all players reveal their cards. The one with the best hand wins the pot—the total amount bet during the hand.
How Betting Works in Poker
In poker, bets follow a sequence and have a minimum value. There are three main betting options during each round:
- Fold: If you don’t want to continue, you can fold and exit the round.
- Call: To stay in the game, you can match the current bet made by the last player.
- Raise: You can increase the bet, forcing others to match or fold to stay in the round.
How to Play Poker: Tips for Beginners
- Learn Hand Rankings: Memorising the hand hierarchy is essential to knowing when you have a strong hand.
- Know When to Fold: Sometimes, the best decision is to fold. Don’t risk all your chips on a weak hand.
- Observe Other Players: Study your opponents’ behaviour. Often, the way they bet can reveal if they have a strong or weak hand.
Free Poker at Premier Poker
Premier Poker offers various tournaments where you can sign up and enjoy the excitement of competing for big prizes. However, if you’re still learning the rules and getting familiar with the game, we provide free poker tables where you can sit and practise with other online players. Click here to check out our free poker tables.
Now that you know the basics of how to play poker, you’re ready to start practising. We provide a safe and exciting environment for playing poker online and developing your skills. Click here to check out our poker tables and place your bets in the games you prefer.
Remember, online betting is meant for your enjoyment, so bet responsibly, as that’s how entertainment should be enjoyed for everyone!
Good luck and see you soon! ♦️ ♥️ ♠️ ♣️
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