Poker is undoubtedly one of the most iconic card games, offering a unique blend of strategy, skill, and odds. If you're new to the poker world, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll provide you with all the essential rules, introduce you to key poker terms, and share some practical strategies to get you started on your poker journey. Let's shuffle the cards, take a seat at the table, and talk about poker!
In Texas Hold'em, the most common variant, players aim to create the best 5-card poker hand by combining their two hole cards with the five community cards on the table.
Hole cards refer to the private cards dealt face down to each player at the beginning of a hand. Hole cards are also known as "pocket cards." These cards are revealed to other players during the showdown. In Texas Hold'em, each player receives two hole cards at the start of the hand. These hole cards are unique to each player and are kept secret from the other players at the table.
Community cards are cards dealt face-up in the center of the poker table and are shared by all players. Together, they are often referred to as the board. Community cards are used in combination with each player's hole cards to form the best possible 5-card hand.
Poker is usually played between 6 to 10 players. In casino cash games, players can usually join or leave the table at any time between rounds. They can also buy more chips within the set table limits when needed. Tournaments or tournament-style games are elimination-based. Players start out with the same amount of chips, and the game continues until one player wins everything. However, the basic flow of the game remains the same. Let’s look at how a standard poker round is dealt and played.
If the prospect of facing off against fellow players feels intimidating, or if you're looking for a more relaxed card gaming experience, check out our live casino poker variants, such as:
These player-versus-dealer games frequently feature optional side bets based on the hand rankings we've discussed, offering diverse payout opportunities. Now, let's return to the classic Texas Hold'em.
The action proceeds clockwise around the table, with only players who haven't folded participating in subsequent betting rounds.
Four betting rounds are in total: Pre-flop, Flop, Turn, and River, and community cards are dealt during these rounds.
During the pre-flop phase, you base their decisions solely on your two hole cards. These cards can have innate value if you are dealt a pair (9,9), or they can have potential value in their ability to connect with the board. High cards such as Aces of Kings are more likely to form valuable hands after the flop than 3s or 2s.
The game's dynamics shift dramatically with the arrival of the flop. At this point, three community cards are unveiled in the center of the table. If you held JT before the flop, and the flop reveals J-6-2, you now possess a top pair of jacks.
Post-flop, you are already exposed to 5 out of the 7 potential cards that will constitute your poker hand, giving you a good sense of the strength of your hand. Once the flop is displayed, betting starts from the small blind, and the action proceeds clockwise.
The turn reveals the fourth community card. Betting on the turn follows the same pattern as during the flop. If there was betting and calling on the flop, the pot size can become substantial, making the turn a crucial moment where pivotal decisions in hand often occur. The final card, the River, is revealed if the hand doesn't end on the turn.
Players are dealt the fifth and final community card during the River phase. You now have the complete picture of your hand. This marks the final betting round. If there was betting on previous streets, it's common for someone to make a substantial bet or even go all-in with all their chips during the river. When two or more players reach the showdown by not folding their hands, the cards are revealed, and the player holding the best 5-card poker hand claims the pot. This climactic moment is known as the showdown.
Remember, if all players except one have folded their hole cards during any of the betting rounds, the hand concludes without the need for the betting player to reveal their hole cards. Engaging in betting without holding a strong poker hand is known as bluffing, and it constitutes a significant element of poker strategy. By contrast, a bet made with a strong hand is known as value-betting. A balanced strategy will employ both bluffing and value betting to maximize your earning potential.
Most poker hands reach their conclusion before the showdown. Revealing another player's hole cards provides valuable insights to opponents, shedding light on their strategic decisions and the hands they choose to play.
Bet and raise limits:
Side Pots:
Blinds
A standard poker game has two types of blinds: the Small Blind (SB) and the Big Blind (BB). At the beginning of the game, the player sitting directly to the left of the dealer button posts the Small Blind, and the next player to their left posts the Big Blind. The Small Blind is typically half the minimum bet for that round, and the Big Blind is the minimum bet.
In poker, the positions at the table play a crucial role in shaping your strategy and decision-making. Each position offers a different perspective and advantage, and understanding them can significantly improve your poker skills. Here, I'll explain the various hand positions in depth:
The player in the button position is considered the dealer for the current hand. This position is advantageous because you act last in every betting round except the pre-flop. Being on the button lets you gather information about your opponents' actions before making decisions. It's often called the "best" position at the table.
The small blind is the player sitting to the left of the button. This player is required to post a forced bet before the start of each hand. The small blind acts second to last in the first round (preflop) and last in all subsequent betting rounds. Due to the forced blind, the small blind can be disadvantaged in terms of position.
The big blind is the player to the left of the small blind. Similar to the small blind, the big blind is also required to post a forced bet, which is typically twice the size of the small blind. The big blind acts last in the preflop betting round and second in all other rounds. The blinds are considered early positions post-flop.
Early positions include the players who act before most of the table. These positions include the Under the Gun (UTG), UTG+1, and UTG+2. UTG is the player immediately to the left of the big blind, and UTG+1 and UTG+2 follow in clockwise order.
The term "Under the Gun" comes from the world of firearms, which means being in a vulnerable position, typically first in line and at a disadvantage. In poker, the UTG position is the player directly to the left of the big blind. UTG is often considered the toughest position because it's like being "under fire" from opponents who act after you. You have limited information and must proceed cautiously. UTG players usually play very tight, favoring strong hands due to their positional vulnerability.
Players in early positions have less information about their opponents' intentions since they must act before many others. Consequently, they typically play tighter and more cautiously as they face the risk of stronger hands after them.
Middle positions include players who act after the early positions but before the late positions.
MP1, MP2, and MP3 follow the UTG+2 player and precede the late positions.
Players in middle positions have a bit more information than those in early positions but must still exercise caution when opening with weaker hands.
Late positions are highly advantageous because you act later in every betting round, which allows for more strategic flexibility. Hijack (HJ), Cutoff (CO), and Button (BTN) are late positions.
Hijack (HJ): The term "Hijack" suggests taking control or advantage of a situation. In poker, the Hijack position is two seats to the right of the button and is named for its ability to "hijack" the late position advantages. The Hijack is considered a strong position, as it allows you to open with a wider range of hands and apply pressure to players in earlier positions.
Cutoff (CO): The term "Cutoff" refers to the player who is "cutting off" the button's position. It's one step closer to the button. The Cutoff position is highly desirable because it provides a great balance between information and aggression. Players in the CO can open with a wide range of hands and steal the blinds effectively.
We now know each hand ranking, how the cards are dealt, the value of the blinds, when you act according to your position at the table, and the decisions you can make when playing. But how do you know which decisions are right or wrong? When should you bluff, and what cards should you fold? It’s time to develop a strategy and build our ranges.
In poker, a range refers to the set of possible hands that a player may have in a given situation. Understanding and utilizing poker ranges is crucial for making informed decisions at the table. Players must consider their own range, their opponents' likely ranges, and how those ranges interact with the community cards to make strategic choices during a hand.
Thanks to modern computing, we now have a more precise grasp of the statistically optimal approach to playing different types of hands in specific game situations. Although factors like intuition, playstyle, and your opponents still hold significance in poker, making decisions at the table relies less on guesswork.
Pre-flop raising is a fundamental poker strategy where a player increases the initial bet size before the community cards are revealed. Raising with strong hands, such as high pairs and premium suited connectors is ideal, but in the long run you won’t get away with playing this tight. Raising with a broader range of hands is an essential tool to gain control of the pot and apply pressure. As a consequence, you should aim to raise with premium hands and raise sometimes with above average hands. Consider factors like your hole cards' strength, position at the table, opponents' tendencies, and table dynamics when deciding when to raise.
Here are some range charts outlining the hands you should consider raising with, and the ones you should fold with, depending on your position:
Note: % represents the percentage of hands you should play.
In poker, the big blind (BB) plays a unique role in the pre-flop betting round, setting it apart from other positions. Here's how big blinds differ in the pre-flop stage:
Forced Bet: The big blind is a forced bet that must be posted before any hole cards are dealt. The player sitting in the big blind position must post an amount equal to the minimum bet (the big blind amount) for that specific hand.
Position: The big blind is considered one of the least favorable positions at the poker table, especially in Texas Hold'em. This is because players in this position act very early post-flop. They lack information about other players' intentions, making it more challenging to make informed decisions.
Defending the Blind: One of the common strategies for big blinds is to "defend the blind." This means taking an aggressive stance to protect their blind bet. If a player in the big blind faces a raise from a late-position player who may be attempting a steal, they might choose to call or re-raise with a strong or potentially playable hand. This can deter opponents from raising the big blind too frequently.
Vulnerable to Steals: Players in the big blind position are vulnerable to steal attempts from late-position players (e.g., the button or cutoff). Since they act first post-flop, it's often tempting for late-position players to make a small raise to try and steal the big blind. Big blind players must decide whether to defend their blind with a call, re-raise (a "3-bet"), or fold.
Limping
You will notice there is no option of calling the big blind in these charts. Many beginners (and even seasoned players) make the mistake of calling too often just to see the flop, hoping for their hand to improve. This strategy, known as "limping," is considered a weaker strategy because it gives up control of the pot and allows opponents to see the flop cheaply. While limping can be appropriate in certain situations with specific hands, it's generally advisable to either fold weak hands or raise with strong ones to assert control and build the pot with favorable hands.
3-Betting
In the context of pre-flop play, "3-betting" indicates a player re-raising after the first raise (considered the second bet, after the big blind, which is considered an automatic bet). This strategic move often forces players to fold, build the pot with strong hands, and pressure opponents. Pre-flop 3-betting is a crucial component of a well-rounded poker strategy. It can lead to various outcomes, including opponents folding, calling, or re-raising (a "4-bet") in response to the 3-bet. For simplicity’s sake, we will look at two situations where you may or may not want to 3-bet.
Continuation Betting (C-betting) is a fundamental post-flop strategy in poker that involves making a bet on the flop after being the pre-flop aggressor (the player who raised before the flop). It's a common tactic used to maintain initiative, pressure opponents, and potentially win the pot without a showdown. Here's a more in-depth explanation of continuation betting and when it's appropriate:
The primary purpose of a continuation bet is to extract value from your opponents. If you have a strong hand, you want your opponents with weaker hands to pay to see the next card. This builds the pot when you're ahead.
Another key purpose is to make your opponents fold. By betting, you pressure players with marginal or weak hands, forcing them to make difficult decisions. Ideally, they fold, allowing you to win the pot without having to show your cards.
A common c-bet size is 50-70% of the pot.
If your situation fits one or more of these criteria, and your position and hand are strong enough, consider c-betting.
The Stack-to-Pot Ratio is a crucial post-flop concept that measures the ratio of a player's remaining stack size to the current size of the pot. It helps players determine whether they should go all-in, make smaller bets, or fold based on the available chips and the pot size.
Strategic considerations become even more critical on the turn and river (the fourth and fifth community cards). Players must reassess the strength of their hand, anticipate opponents' possible hands, and make well-timed bets or calls. Some key tips include balancing your range, using pot odds to make decisions, and avoiding overcommitting with marginal hands.
Many players have a preconceived idea that bluffing is a mind-reading psychological battle where you must decipher your opponent's innermost thoughts. While reading opponents can be valuable, the reality is that successful bluffing is about strategic decision-making. You rarely can tell your opponent's exact hand, and you don’t have to. Instead, try to think in terms of ranges and what this player could have. Bluffing involves creating a believable narrative through your actions – your bets, raises, and timing. It's about making your opponent doubt the strength of their hand and convincing them to fold.
Let’s look at bluffing in the context of post-flop scenarios. It allows you to win pots even when your strong starting hand doesn't connect well with the community cards on the flop, turn, or river. But when is it worth the risk? Here's how to approach bluffing:
Some poker players have amassed significant wealth through their skills and successes in the game. Professional players like Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, or Doyle Brunson have earned millions in poker tournaments and cash games.
Poker can be profitable for skilled players who consistently make winning decisions and manage their bankrolls effectively. However, it's important to note that poker will always include an element of luck which must be accounted for.
Poker can indeed be pursued as a career by professional players who earn a consistent income through their poker skills. Many players make a living by competing in high-stakes tournaments, cash games or even by becoming poker coaches or content creators.
Poker, particularly Texas Hold'em, involves creating the best 5-card poker hand by combining hole cards and community cards. Players make strategic decisions in each betting round to compete for the pot.
Poker hands are ranked based on specific card combinations, each with a different strength value. For example, a Royal Flush is the strongest hand, consisting of five consecutive cards of the same suit, ranked from ace to ten.
Poker betting involves players making wagers during different betting rounds to build the pot. Betting decisions are influenced by hand strength, position, and opponents' actions. Players can check, bet, call, raise, re-raise, or fold based on their strategies.
Poker rooms typically make money through the rake, which is a percentage of the pot taken by the house. In tournament poker, they may also collect entry fees from players.
Poker hands are ranked hierarchically, with higher-ranked hands beating lower-ranked ones. For instance, a Full House beats a Flush, and a Flush beats a Straight.
When players reach the showdown, the player with the best 5-card hand, according to the hand ranking, claims the pot.
Many poker variants exist, like Texas Hold'em, Omaha, or Five-card Stud. There are also poker-inspired
live casino games such as Casino Hold’em and Ultimate Texas Hold’em, each with unique rules and strategies.
High-value cards like Aces and Kings are generally considered strong cards in poker. However, their strength can vary depending on the context of the game, and factors like position and opponents' actions also play a role.
Players should fold when they have weak or unplayable hands, such as low-value cards or hands that are unlikely to improve even with community cards.
Betting timing depends on factors like hand strength, position, and opponents' actions. Players may bet to build the pot, protect their hands, or apply pressure on opponents.
Bluffing is appropriate when players are confident they can make an opponent fold. It requires believable narrative consistent with previous actions and bets. Ideally, players should try to bluff with hands that can improve in later stages (such as suited connectors).
Raising is done with strong hands to build the pot, apply pressure, or extract value from opponents. It can also be used as a bluffing tactic to represent a strong hand.
Players should generally play strong starting hands, like high pairs and premium cards, in the context of a range. Defer to our article section on ranges to get a better overview.
Pre-flop, the player to the left of the big blind, known as UTG (under-the-gun), initiates the betting action, with the play proceeding clockwise around the table. Post flop, the first to act will be the small blind.
During the showdown, the player who took the last aggressive action (such as betting or raising) shows their cards first. If all players checked during the river, the first person in the order of action will show their cards first.
Some poker players wear sunglasses to conceal their reactions and maintain a "poker face" to avoid giving away information to opponents.
Poker players wear headphones to block out distractions, focus on the game, and prevent opponents from engaging in conversation or trying to read their reactions.
Online poker is undoubtedly the most popular way to play poker today. It allows players to compete against opponents worldwide and offers various game options and stakes. There are numerous sites accommodating poker tables.
Video poker slots are a spin-off on the traditional poker we are familiar with. The specific RTP of the game determines their payouts. Be aware that video poker has its own rules and playstyle.
Poker probabilities are calculated using mathematical formulas and statistical analysis to determine the likelihood of certain events or specific card combinations occurring. These calculations help players make informed decisions, from determining equity, to building a range or predicting draws. If you want to explore this topic further, check out this video explaining what equity is and how to calculate it:
Congratulations on mastering the basics of poker as a beginner! You now have a solid grasp of the game's rules and a strong strategy to kickstart your poker journey. The next step is to hone your skills and apply your newfound knowledge. Keep in mind that improvement comes through practice and continuous learning. Watch pros, engage with fellow enthusiasts and stay updated on our blog here at MrWest for more tips and tricks!
Please note that the strategies and recommendations offered in our blog articles do not guarantee success or winnings. Gambling is inherently risky and should be undertaken with player discretion. MrWest holds no responsibility for any losses incurred by players while using these strategies and tips.
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