Learning how to play poker is quite simple and there is no need to feel intimidated when you sit at a table. The objective of the game is to simply create the best five-card hand or get the other players to fold to win.
There are four main categories the different variations fall under and those are; Community Card Poker, Straight Poker, Draw Poker and Stud Poker. Generally, these online poker games follow the same rules.
In this guide, we provide you with an easy step-by-step process on how to play poker cards, the rules, betting options available, and everything you need to know to get started.
Where to Play Poker Online
How to Play Poker Rules and Winning Hands
To get started in playing poker, you will need to have registered with a poker room of your choice or any top online casino from our list and choose a poker game to play.
The game is played using the following:
- A standard deck of 52 playing cards with no Jokers
- 2 or more players
- Poker chips or real money
These are basic poker rules used in all popular variations of the game.
Your goal is to get the best five-card poker hand ranked according to the poker hands chart. Most games use this chart to decide which hand is the strongest and therefore a winner. While some might use the ranking in a slightly different way, such as making the lowest value hand the best hand.
Another way to win is by “bluffing” your opponents (a.k.a. showing confidence in your hand). When you bluff, you get your opponent to think you are holding a better hand than theirs and therefore deciding to fold instead of taking you in the showdown.
How to Play Poker Online
The Setup
Some online poker games have what’s called “Forced Bets”. This is a compulsory bet in the beginning of a hand. Usually, these are referred to as a “blind” or “ante”. “Big blinds” are usually twice as much the size of the “small blind”.
The dealer does not count as one of the players, but a token of how the betting begins. The dealing of each hand unfolds and rotates in a clockwise direction from the dealer.
Betting Options
The betting round begins after the forced bets have been made. Depending on how much confidence you have in your hand, you have the option to:
- Call – match another player’s bet.
- Raise – increase the size of your bet.
- Fold – withdraw from your hand.
- Check – not betting until a later stage.
- Go all in – betting all your remaining chips.
Learn How to Play Poker Cards – Step by Step
All poker games have at least one round of betting. The betting rounds occur before and after the game. For instance, Texas Hold’em Omaha can have up to four betting rounds.
Here is how you play poker step by step:
Step 1: Each player is dealt two cards.
Step 2: The small blind gets placed, followed by the big blind.
Step 3: The first betting round begins with players making decisions based on their hands.
Step 4: Then comes the flop. The dealer deals the first three community cards, all face up.
Step 5: Following the flop is the turn. The dealer deals the fourth card also face up.
Step 6: Then the river. The dealer deals the fifth and final card.
Step 7: You win if you have the best hand based on the poker hand rankings.
Play Poker Online
If you wish to practice or play poker online for cash, you can do so at our recommended South African online casinos. By signing up you gain access to world-class poker games, such as Texas Hold’em, Seven Card Stud, Razz Poker, Omaha, and a whole lot more.
Not only do you get to learn how to play poker, but you also get to claim some of the best and biggest poker bonuses. Sign up today to claim yours!
More Poker Guides: