Online Poker Rules

History

The earliest information regarding poker suggests that it developed in early Asia. However, the game did not become a mainstream western pastime until the 19th century. The game is currently a staple ingredient to every casino on every continent. This most emblematic game of gambling has evolved into a type of sport. With international competitions for hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars, the game has reached astronomical heights by any standard.

The game is fundamentally a betting game in which each player puts up a certain amount of a commodity, money or chips for example, for the ability to participate in a round of game play. This initial investment is called the 'ante'. Contrary to most casino games, the players are not playing against the house. Instead it is simply every man for himself.

There are two major types of poker, Draw Poker and Stud Poker. The more common and simpler game is Draw Poker.

Draw Poker consists of two initial rounds. The number of players can be anywhere from two to ten. The dealer deals everyone 5 cards from a standard 52 card deck. After the initial cards are dealt, players go in a clockwise order from the dealer making bets. Players can either choose to add to the pot, which in tern forces all other players to match the first players bet or drop out of the game (fold). After all players have had the opportunity to increase the bet, the dealer gives all players the chance to exchange from one to four of their cards. The dealer will provide each of these players with new cards from the deck while the players are forced to forfeit an equal number of cards. Betting again commences in a clockwise fashion from the dealer. Players may increase the bet or call the game, forcing all players to display their hand. The winning hand wins the game. See below for the hierarchy of winning hands.

Stud Poker is very similar to Draw Poker. Stud Poker is a bit more intricate and game rounds tend to last a bit longer as more game play is involved. In the beginning, every player is dealt one card face up and one card face down. Each player may look at their own face down card. Once the dealer has dealt everyone these first two cards, a betting interval commences with the player whose face up card is highest. After every player has finished betting, the dealer deals one more card face up to every person. This is followed by another betting interval and then repeated until all players have five cards. At this point the final betting commences and once a player calls, all the face down cards are exposed. The player with the best hand wins. See below for the hierarchy of winning hands.

In the event that two or more players wind up with the same hand, the following criteria can be used to break the tie.

   • If two players have straight flushes, flushes, or straights, the hand with the highest card is the winning hand.

   • If two players have full houses, the highest three of a kind will determine the winning hand.

   • If two players have three of a kind, the highest ranking three of a kind will determine the winner.

   • If two players have pairs each, the next highest ranking single card will determine the winning hand. If this does not resolve the tie, players should continue to look at each players next highest card and so on.

   • If two players have no hands whatsoever, the player with the highest ranking single card has the winning hand. If this does not resolve the tie, players should continue to look at each players next highest card and so on.


Casinos vs. Poker Rooms

This column refers mostly to poker played against people. Another form available in a variety of casinos is video poker. Many people are unaware that you can play poker against real live people online. If you like playing poker but find it difficult to find a good game, online play is probably your best bet. Check out our page of online poker rooms, we provide reviews and recommend the best places to play.

•Best Poker Rooms for play against individuals.
      •Casino Reviews for video poker and table games. 

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