Our beginners’ guide for how to play poker walks you through the basics, including the ranking of cards and hands, game variations, online poker versus home game poker rules, and opportunities to learn for free. Since its creation, poker has been one of, if not the most popular, card game. But it was Chris Moneymaker’s signature Main Event win at the 2003 World Series of Poker that cemented poker, and Texas Hold’em specifically, as pillars of internet gaming.
Before your first poker game, you need to study, learn how to play and, better yet, memorize the best possible hands. It’s worth noting that unlike games such as online blackjack for real money, the cards do not embrace a specific points value system, but are ranked by strength. For example, an Ace – which can be worth one or 11 in blackjack – is the strongest, highest-ranked poker card.
Poker Hand Name
Cards
Example Hand
Royal Flush
A, K, Q, J, 10 – same suit
Straight Flush
Five sequential cards – same suit
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same value, one of each suit – fifth card doesn’t matter
Full House
Three cards of the same value, and a pair of an additional value
Flush
Five cards of the same suit – any order
Straight
Five sequential cards – any suit
Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same value – other two cards don’t matter
Two Pair
Two cards of the same value and two cards of a different value – fifth card doesn’t matter
One Pair
Two cards of the same value – other three cards don’t matter
No Pair
All five cards of different values and not all the same suit
Once you understand the hand rankings, you’re ready to start playing. The next step is picking a poker game or games. The rules of each are unique to the game, but the basic premise – more or less – remains the same.
Strategy: Start Off With Strong Hands
Know the Top Cards
As you may imagine, the strongest starting cards include those with Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks and 10’s. A matching pair of any of those to start, also known as a pocket pair, is a great start. The next best thing would be something like an Ace-King, King-Queen or Ace-Jack. Just because the first two cards don’t match, doesn’t mean your hand is weak. You can still bet before the first series of community cards hit the felt.
Understand Value From Lower Cards
The next tier of strong hands includes pocket pairs of fives or higher along with some matching some face cards with high numbers. You can also consider cards of the same suit as medium strength if you’re seeking out a flush.
Don't Play With Bad Cards
One of the most important things poker beginners can understand is there is no shame in folding. In fact, folding is often the correct play.
Poker is great because even the best players often lose. But compounding your losses by getting on tilt or playing without discipline won’t get you very far.
James Guill is a former professional poker player who writes fro GambleOnline.co about poker, sports, casinos, gaming legislation and the online gambling industry in general.
His past experience includes working with IveyPoker, PokerNews, PokerJunkie, Bwin, and the Ongame Network.
From 2006-2009 he participated in multiple tournaments including the 37th and 38th World Series of Poker (WSOP).
James lives in Virgina and he has a side business where he picks and sells vintage and antique items.