There are a large variety of poker games being offered by online card rooms today. From No-Limit Texas Hold'em to 7-card Stud, it is important to understand the specific rules of each game. Online poker sites offer most of these games in both real and play money for their customers. A great way to learn a new game is to try your hand at the play money version first.
Games can be played in many different betting formats, from fixed-limit (where there is a structured bet on each round) to No-Limit (where a player can wager any to all of his/her chips at any time) - there are many ways to play your favorite games.
There is one rule that transcends each game: poker is a game where the best FIVE cards win. In some poker games this might mean the lowest five cards while in others it could mean the highest. The fact remains no matter how many cards you are dealt or are in the middle of the table, in the end, a poker hand is made of just five cards.
Determining how to break a tie is important as well. In the event both players happen to have a flush, the highest flush wins. Therefore a Kd-Qd-8d-4d-2d flush would beat a Ks-Qs-7s-6s-5s flush. Looking at the highest card on down the 8d would trump the 7s. The same goes for straights. If two players hold the same pair, the higher "kicker" (3rd card), would win. Therefore, A-A-K-Q-7 would beat A-A-Q-J-T.
Determining the best high-hand is simple; please refer to the pictures below to determine the strength of your hand, from best to worst:
Royal Flush:
Straight Flush:
4 of a Kind:
Full House (or Boat):
Flush:
Straight:
3 of a Kind:
2 Pair:
1 Pair:
High Card:
Once you read them and get some basic strategy down, you can start playing!
All of these online poker games
can be played for free or real money. Check out our list of
recommended and reviewed poker rooms
to help you decide where you'd like to play. Have fun and good luck!
