An Introduction to Online Poker: A Beginner's Guide to Texas Hold'em
Welcome to our beginner's guide to Online Poker. Of all the games in a casino, none captures the imagination quite like poker. It is a legendary game of skill, strategy, and psychology where smart decisions can lead to great rewards. While there are many variations, the world's most popular version by far is No-Limit Texas Hold'em, which is what we will focus on in this guide.
Whether you're an absolute beginner or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the fundamental rules and hand rankings to get you started. Below, you will find a list of the best online poker games we have reviewed.
The Goal of the Game
The primary goal in Texas Hold'em is simple: make the best possible five-card poker hand using a combination of your two private "hole cards" and the five shared "community cards" on the table. You win the pot by having the best hand at the end, or by making all other players fold before the end.
Understanding Poker Hand Rankings
Knowing which hand beats which is the most important part of poker. The hand rankings, from strongest to weakest, are universal to most poker games.
- Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit. The best possible hand.
- Straight Flush: Five cards in sequence, all of the same suit (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of hearts).
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank (e.g., four Aces).
- Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
- Flush: Any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
- Straight: Five cards in sequence, but not of the same suit.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
- Two Pair: Two cards of one rank, two cards of another rank, and one other card.
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
- High Card: If no one has a pair or better, the player with the highest single card wins.
A Round of Texas Hold'em Explained
A single hand is played out in several betting rounds:
- The Blinds: Before any cards are dealt, two players must post mandatory bets (the "small blind" and "big blind") to create a starting pot.
- Pre-Flop: Every player is dealt two private hole cards. The first round of betting occurs.
- The Flop: Three community cards are dealt face-up on the table. The second round of betting occurs.
- The Turn: A fourth community card is dealt. The third round of betting occurs.
- The River: A fifth and final community card is dealt. The final round of betting occurs.
- The Showdown: If more than one player remains, they reveal their hands. The player who can make the best five-card hand using their two hole cards and the five community cards wins the pot.
A Quick Note on Strategy
Poker is a game of deep strategy. The most important concept for beginners is "starting hand selection." You should not play every hand you are dealt. Being patient and only playing strong starting hands is the key to long-term success.