These days, people of all ages and across the globe are getting into poker. The rise of online casinos and platforms to play poker like 888 poker have led to more people enjoying this brilliant card game — accessing it while on the go or from the comfort of home.
Poker is a classic game that continues to go from strength to strength, as more people start to learn how the game works and start playing it. If you’re new to a poker tournaments, this article is a brilliant beginners guide, with everything you need to know about this fantastic game.
History of Poker
Although younger generations may be starting to get into poker, the game itself is definitely not new. In fact, many historians suggest that poker has some very ancient routes that trace continents – with some going so far as connecting it to games played by a 10th century emperor.
The game that most closely resembles poker was played in the 17th century in France by the aristocracy. “Poque” as it was then called, travelled to North America with the French colonists, then made its way across the USA played by players travelling on riverboats across the waterway. It became something of a staple in Wild West Saloons, and was again played many decades later during World War I.
One of the most popular variations of poker, Texas Hold’em (which you’ll learn more about below) , became one of the most dominant forms of the game during the 1970s. Another boom in the game’s popularity occurred during the 1990s, through to the 2000s when poker became integrated into pop culture and began to be shown on television as part of the World Series of Poker. Of course, as we all know, the rise of the internet changed everything. And with poker going online and being accessible at online casinos, the game became more accessible than ever before.
Which brings us back to the current day!
Types of Poker
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’emTexas Hold’em is one of the most well known (and played) variations of poker. It’s also a great starting point for anyone who is a beginner, as you’re likely to find it wherever poker is played! This variation of the game plays out in several steps. The pre-flo, the flop, the turn and the river.
The aim of Texas Hold’em is to make the best hand with five cards out of the seven cards available.
Omaha
Another version of this game is Omaha. It’s like Texas Hold’em but with a twist, in that players get four ‘hole’ cards (instead of the two they get in Texas Hold’em) and can only use two cards from the hand that they have with three cards from the community pile.
Seven Card Stud
This was the top game prior to Texas Hold’em. This variation is a little more complex and requires more skill. And this variation of the game involves no flop or community cards.
Top Poker Tips
Whether it’s your first-time playing poker or you’re trying to improve your game, here are some of our top tips!
Learn rankings, rules and positions
Despite there being hundreds of tips and suggestions online on how to win at poker, one of the top ones has to be to learn the game properly. Mastering the poker hand ranking is well worth doing so that you can make the best decisions in a flash.
And understanding the rules as well as your position allows you to play more strategically. All which lead to a better chance of winning against your opponents.
Start low stakes
It can be tempting to jump into games and go high stakes, but staying low stakes can be a smart move. Not only can it make you feel more comfortable about playing, it can help you improve your strategy without losing a lot of money as you do so. Moving up in the stakes helps to improve your skill level, so if you play at your lower limit you can learn against the weaker players – while giving you a chance to see the whole table.
Only play when you’re feeling positive
One final tip we have is to only play when you’re feeling positive and good. Having too strong emotions can distract you at the table. And even the top players can’t play their best games if they’re in a bad headspace. So learn from the pros and go in feeling great!
