Online poker is undoubtedly one of the most popularly played casino games around the world right now, coupled with the fact that it has several variations to it, such as the Texas Hold’Em, Omaha, Seven-card stud, etc. Poker is fun if you understand how to play it, but what about when you don’t know how to play poker? Or when you’re seeking a guide on how to play poker for beginners?

That’s why we’re here to save the day with this guide on how to play poker for beginners, which explains the basic way and rules for playing all types of poker. Even though they are different types of poker, this basic way of playing poker for beginners will cut across them all; you can start learning the individual rules and strategies so you can also play other variants.

Poker is an easy game, though it might take a while for beginners to grab as it is challenging and strategic. But after a little practice, you should be good to go as a beginner at poker.

Tips on How to Play Poker

Before we delve into the specifics of poker hand rankings and the actual gameplay, it’s essential to prepare your mind for the strategic landscape of poker. Contrary to popular belief, poker is not just a game of chance – it’s a game of skill where strategy and understanding your opponents can play a significant role in your success.

As a beginner, you may not win every hand you play, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s all part of the learning curve. So, let’s start with the basics. First, we’ll learn about the different poker hand rankings, then we’ll explore how to play poker, specifically focusing on the Texas Hold’Em poker variant. Let’s dive in!

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Learn the Hand-Rankings

As a beginner poker player, you must familiarise yourself with the hand rankings in poker before digging into the basics of how to play it. With a detailed understanding of the value of each card in poker, players can avoid miscalculating their hands’ worth. Below are the winning poker hand rankings in order of highest to lowest:

Royal Flush: A Royal Flush contains a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit.

Straight Flush: A Straight flush includes five cards of the same suit in sequence.

Four of a Kind: Four of a Kind contains four cards of the same rank and different suits.

Full House: A Full house contains three cards of the same rank and the other two with another rank.

Flush: A Flush contains five different cards of the same suit. The sequence or rank does not matter in a flush; the suit matters.

Straight: A Straight contains five sequential cards of different suits.

Three of a Kind: Three of a Kind contains three cards with the same rank and two that are not matched.

Two Pair: Two pairs contain two cards of the same rank, two other cards of another rank different from the first two cards, and one unmatched card.

Pair: A Pair contains two cards of the same rank and three unmatched cards.

High Card: A High Card is also known as a “nothing” hand, as none are in sequence or from the same suit. All five cards don’t form any of the combinations above.

Playing the Game

Poker comes in many variations, but the most popular poker online variant is Texas Hold’Em. We’ll address how to play using that variant, as it has general gameplay with other variants.

Playing poker requires a standard deck of 52 cards, 2 to 10 players, and poker chips. Here’s how to play poker for beginners in detail:

Pre-Flop

The first step in learning how to play poker for beginners is the pre-flop. In the pre-flop stage, at the beginning of the poker game, bets are placed starting from the player at the left-hand side of the dealer. The player bets a small blind, and the next player by the left of the small blind will place a big blind. Another way to place the bets is for every player to place an “ante up,” which is the minimum bet into the pool.

After both bets have been placed by the small and big blinds, the dealer deals every player two cards facing down, starting from the small blind. After receiving the cards, the betting round starts with the small blind deciding to fold, call, or raise the stakes. Every other player also makes a decision based on the cards they hold.

Flop

In the flop stage, three community cards are in front of the players, all facing up. With any of these three cards alongside the initial two cards, players can create their best five-card poker hand combination. In making a decision, players have to choose whether to fold, call, or raise. The betting action starts again from the small blind.

Turn

The third is called the “Turn” stage, and one more community card is added to the initial three community cards making a total of four cards facing up. After this additional community card, another betting round occurs for all players.

River

The final stage is the “River” stage, where a final community card is added, making a total of five cards facing up in the table. The river is the final betting round for all players, and they must make up their minds to fold, call, or bet. This is the last decision you can make.

Showdown

After the River stage, the remaining betting players reveal their cards facing up, starting from the dealer’s left. Whoever’s hand is the best is the winner, and such a player wins the pot of bets. Players whose hands result in a tie will have to split the pool equally.

Poker Rules

A standard deck of 52 cards is used.

When how to play poker, try to create the best five-card hand combination.

You can choose to bet, call, raise, or fold when the “action” reaches your turn.

You can fold at any point in time.

If every player folds their cards after you bet or raise stakes before the showdown, you get to win that hand. 

Final Thoughts

Isn’t it fun? Now, as you will eventually start playing poker, one online poker tip is to play at a reputable site like Slots Paradise Casino, where you can find all sorts of guides and online poker tips for you to take advantage of, like learning how to play poker for beginners so you can become a pro with practice!

Poker etiquette will also help you enjoy your game with players of different playing levels and create mutual respect among you and other players so you can be a better and more mature player. 

Join us on Slots Paradise Casino’s social media, boost your knowledge and become a winner!”

FAQs – How To Play Poker