A Starter’s Guide to the Game of Poker

Roger | January 17, 2013

For some players, poker is just a game. For others, it is a passion and a life’s calling. Described by many as a mind sport or even as America’s national pastime, poker has become extremely popular worldwide. It can be played at casinos in Las Vegas and Macau, and with friends in a family’s living room.

Online poker enables players to compete anonymously against other fans from all over the globe, at any time of day or night. Television broadcasts show top poker professionals sitting down with skillful amateurs in heated tournaments, where winners go home with millions of dollars in prizes.

So, why is the game of poker so exciting?

Poker is a simple game

Poker is played with a deck of 52 cards, and the rules are straightforward. A combination of five cards is called a poker hand. Players aim to form the best possible hand by combining their dealt cards (hidden from opponents) with community cards (face-up on the table). The best hand at the showdown, when the remaining players reveal their cards, wins the pot.

Poker is a challenge to master

If poker were only a simple game, it would rely purely on luck, with fortunes determined by card deals. While the rules are simple, mastering poker strategy and understanding the mathematics of poker odds can be a lifelong pursuit. Though chance plays a role, becoming a good (and profitable) poker player requires significant skill. The desire to constantly improve one’s poker abilities makes the game appealing.

The game of poker is relatively new

Although betting games have existed in many cultures, poker evolved in the early 19th century. Texas Hold’em was introduced to Las Vegas in 1967, and the first World Series of Poker took place in 1970. Poker’s popularity surged in the 2000s due to televised tournaments, films, and the Internet.

There are different varieties of poker

Today, Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker variety, featured in most TV shows and major tournaments. Before Hold’em, Stud Poker was the game of choice. Many players learned about full houses and straights through Draw Poker. Professionals often claim that Omaha Poker requires more skill and strategy than Texas Hold’em. Other varieties, like Razz and Badugi, add exotic flavors to the game. With so many options and flexible home rules, poker never gets boring.

Dreams of poker glory can become real

Tournaments in places like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Monte Carlo award top players multi-million dollar prizes. Only a few players who combine skill and luck reach the money stages of these events, but many amateurs can realize their poker dreams. Chris Moneymaker’s win at the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event, turning a $39 online poker satellite investment into $2.5 million, spurred poker’s recent surge in popularity.

Online poker opens the game to all

Playing with professional players and beginners no longer requires travel to a casino. Anyone can play poker from home, anytime. There is always a tournament to join, whether a scheduled multi-table tournament or a sit ‘n’ go tourney. Online poker has made the game accessible to a new population, leveling the field and allowing everyone to play according to their bankroll and preferences.