Laura Thornhill | February 3, 2022 | Updated on: February 26th, 2024
Poker is one of the most popular casino games. Learning how to play poker is easy with our step by step guide for beginners. There are several types of poker games and you can play all of them if you master basic poker rules. Whether you play poker online or at a casino table, the rules of poker are the same.
Once you understand how to play Texas Holdem, learning how to play other poker games will be easy. Our guide to playing poker includes easy steps for playing Holdem poker and other types of poker.
Poker is a casino card game where players have to make the best five-card hand with their hands and the shared community cards.
Each player at the table gets two hole cards face down. There are three cards face-up on the table exposed to all players.
Before the game starts, an ante, that is the initial amount from each participating player deposited into the collective prize pool known as the pot. Afterwards, two bets are placed by the first two players left of the dealer. These two bets are known as the small and big blinds.
Thereafter the game goes in a clockwise motion with players raising the bets, matching the previous bet or folding and bowing out of the game if they have a weak hand. Following the first round of bets, another card is added to the community cards, this fourth card is known as “the turn”. Another round of betting follows, then a fifth community card known as “the river” is added to the community cards. The grand finale- the showdown, follows. Players reveal their five-card hand made with the two hole cards and any cards from the community cards. The player with the best hand wins the pot.
How to Play Poker Step By Step
First is the ante, this is the amount each player places to build the pot.
Next three community cards, the flop, are placed face up in the middle of the table
Afterwards, each player gets two hole cards face down.
The small and big blinds are posted.
Then the first round of betting begins.
A card is added to the flop, this fourth card is called the turn.
Another round of betting follows. Some players may fold or bow out at this point.
A fifth card is added to the flop, and this is called the river.
Any players left at this point compare hands in a showdown.
Players must make a five-card hand with their hole cards and the community cards, the winning hand wins the pot
Playing Real Money Online Poker
Playing poker online is easy. You just need to sign in to your casino account, make a deposit and start playing.
The best online poker sites for real money have numerous online poker tables for you to choose from.
You can also play online poker free at any of the poker sites we recommend.
There are also exclusive poker bonuses at several poker online casinos that you can claim to play real money poker games and win.
You must know the winning hands in order to learn how to play poker at a casino. Luckily, When you play poker online your payout is based on the best possible combination of your hole cards and community cards.
Below is the hierarchy of poker hands from best to least.
Royal Flush – an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 – all in the same suit
Straight Flush – five cards in ascending or descending sequence in the same suit
Four of a Kind – four of the same card e.g. 4 Jacks, 4 deuces, etc
Full House – three of the same cards with a pair
Flush – any five cards with the same suit in no particular sequence
Straight – five cards in ascending or descending sequence of different suits.
Three of a Kind – three cards of the same rank
Two Pair – two sets of two identical cards
Pair – a set of two similar cards
How to Play Caribbean Stud Poker
Carribbean stud poker has no community cards. Each player gets five cards face down. The dealer also gets five cards, and only one of them is exposed. The first bet is placed before the cards are dealt, this is the ante bet.
There are additional bets to make after players get their cards. These additional bonus bets made are based on how good the hand they have is and the dealer’s single exposed card.
How to Play 3 Card Poker
Three card poker is the easiest online poker game for beginners. Each player gets three cards. Before the game begins, the player must make a bet. The main betting options are Ante, and Pair Plus Bets.
There are no community cards or betting rounds with additional cards. After the bets are placed, each player gets three cards. The best hand gets the highest payout. There is a paytable for the different poker hands.
Poker How to Play FAQs
How do you play poker step by step?
Start with an ante to fill up the pot.
Next, three community cards are placed face up.
Then each player gets two hidden hole cards.
The first betting round begins.
After the first betting round, a fourth card is added to the community cards.
Another round of betting follows and a fifth community card is added.
Any players remaining at this point compare hands in a showdown. The best hand made with the hole card(s) and the community cards wins the pot.
Is learning poker easy?
Learning poker is easy if you start with Holdem poker.
What is the best poker game for beginners?
The best poker game for beginners is Three card poker, there are no community cards or multiple betting rounds.
Why is poker so hard?
Poker is not hard it just has a lot of basic rules and steps, once you master them the game is fun.
Is poker skill or luck?
Poker is a mix of skill and luck.
What is basic poker?
The basic poker game is Texas Holdem.
How many cards do you get in poker?
The basic poker game gives each player two cards and three to five shared community cards.
Poker is one of the most popular casino games. Learning how to play poker is easy with our step by step guide for beginners. There are several types of poker games and you can play all of them if you master basic poker rules. Whether you play poker online or at a casino table, the rules of poker are the same.
