A Beginner's Online Poker Guide
Poker is one of the most popular games to play today. In its traditional look, it includes you being given a certain number of cards and then you betting chips on the strength of your hand. In most variants, you can use your own cards and those on the table to create the best possible combination. The goal is to have the best hand and win the entire pot.
Poker might not look that beginner-friendly, as there's quite a bit to learn. However, we all start from somewhere, and online casinos are a great place to begin. You can consult the rules at all times, play easier versions and practice. Plus, you don't need to learn how to bluff, as no one can see you.
Online poker is great for advanced players as well, as it comes with the convenience of playing everywhere and at all times. It also brings a lot more variety and excitement (and that's not just due to the different poker variants available).
Below, we walk you through all the basics about the game, like rules, strategies, and tips.
History of Poker
Poker dates back to the 16th century, with the first known reports coming from the US. It quickly became popular, as it requires more skills than luck. Its biggest peak (before the one now) was in the middle of the last century.
In 1970, the World Series of Poker had its first edition, and poker became commercial. Over the years, the game has been modified, but the base rules remain the same.
1998 was a turning point for online poker, as it was the birth year of the first online poker game. It set the ground for what we witness today: huge popularity, mainly due to the rise of online casinos and the opportunity to play from anywhere.
Now, prizes in competitions reach millions. Gamblers online can also cash in on big bucks, if they have mastered the game.
What Type of Poker Can I Play Online?
You can find the most popular as well as more obscure versions of poker online. The first step towards playing is to find the right poker type for you. Below, you'll find a short introduction to the poker games our players love the most:
- Texas Hold'em: The most popular poker type plays with two cards in your hand and five on the table. You have several rounds to bet and make up the best 5-card combination out of those two.
- Five-Card Draw: You're given five cards from the beginning. You can replace some of them during the rounds, but the goal remains the same as above.
- 3-Card Poker: This is a quicker and easier version to play. It requires you to place a bet before you're given your three cards. After that, you can bet again. The player with the best combination wins.
- Video Poker: The love child between poker and slots comes with rules based on the 5-card version, but adds the uncertainty and excitement of online slots to the mix.
- Other versions: There are a lot more poker action you can find online, such as Omaha Hi-Lo, Caribbean Stud Poker, Pai Gow Poker, etc.
If you are new to online poker, the best thing would be to try one of the more popular variants (e.g., Texas Hold'em). You can also pick an easier one to begin with, like 3-Card Poker, and refer to our guide to playing 3-Card Poker to help you.
How to Play Poker Online
Once you’ve chosen your poker casino game, click the start button to get the action rolling. The dealer will hand you two cards face down. These are referred to as your hole cards and only you will be able to see them.
Once all cards have been dealt to all players, five will be revealed in the middle of the table. Before each one is placed on the table, you’ll get to make a bet.
After the first betting round, three cards will be dealt face-up on the board, which is also referred to as “the flop”. Then comes another round where you can wager before a single ‘turn’ card will be dealt face up. From there another round of betting will take place after which the final card (or “the river”) is dealt up.
This sequence is often referred to as the Flop, Turn and River. Once it completes, there will be a final betting round and any players left will turn over their cards to see which hand is the best.
The player with the winning hand will get to take the winning pot. Should there be more than one winner, the pot will be split. The main objective of the game is to make the best five-card poker hand from the two cards in your hand and the community cards.
Poker Terms You Need to Know
Besides everything you learned, you also need to remember some basic terms that will help you understand the game better. We've prepared a table for you with the most common ones, as it will be easiest to return to:
| Term |
What it means |
| Call |
You match a bet made by another player. |
| Fold |
You forfeit the round and lose your cards. |
| Bluff |
Deceiving others that you have a better hand than the one you do. |
| Raise |
Increase the current bet. |
| Check |
You stay in the game, but don't place a new bet. |
| All in |
When you bet all your chips. |
| Ante |
The smallest bet you can make to participate. |
| Community cards |
The cards on the table that all players can use to make a combination. |
| Pot |
The total amount of chips bet by the players. |
These are the basic terms to get you started. Now, you're ready to move on to the different poker hands you have to learn.
Types of Poker Hands
As the goal is to make the best card combination possible, you'll have to know the different hands that will help you do so. Hands are determined by the values and suits of cards you have. Below, you'll find them in order from the highest to lowest value:
1. Royal Flush – The highest-winning hand made up of a 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace. All have to be of the same suit.
2. Straight Flush – Five cards of the same suit in a successive order.
3. Four of a Kind – Four cards numerically matching.
4. Full House – A three-of-a-kind card combination and a pair in the same hand.
5. Flush – Five cards of the same suit. Can be in random order.
6. Straight – Five cards in sequential order (can be any suit).
7. Three of a Kind – Any three cards numerically matching.
8. Two Pair – Two different pairs of cards in the same hand, e.g. 8-8, K-K.
9. One Pair – Any two cards numerically matching.
10. High Card – This is the highest-ranking card in your hand (naturally, Ace is the highest and 2 is the lowest).
CasinoWow's Top Poker Tips
Even though it's still a card game, poker relies very little on luck. It's all about strategy and skills here, as history remembers times when even the worst cards have produced great wins. It all comes down to practice, but it's always helpful to have something ready to help you.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Make sure you're in the right table position
Sometimes sitting in the right spot becomes more important than what you've got in your hand. For example, if you're in the last seat to make a bet, you're in a position to see what everyone else will do before you need to make a decision.
Mix aggression with slow play
Only checking and calling won't get you anywhere, so don't be afraid to bet. Still, you have to give time and opportunities to let your opponents do the same, especially when you have a strong hand (as this will increase the pot you're more likely to win in this case).
Take the time to learn some strategies
For example, a good practice is to keep your ‘Jacks’ unless you are aiming for a straight or a flush. Or keeping the pair instead of a high card, as they have a higher chance of becoming three or four.
Practice online with small bets at first
You're playing at home, there isn't anybody that can see you, you don't have to worry about bluffing, just follow the cards and get better at the game.
Take advantage of those bonuses
Another benefit of playing poker at casinos is that they most commonly come with great offers. Browse the latest table games bonuses, get a welcome promo and up your gameplay.
Playing online increases the amount of entertainment, but it also comes with more risks. As time flies and you're having fun, it's much easier to lose your head. Make a budget before you start playing, gamble responsibly, and don't chase your losses.
How we choose the best poker sites and games
There are so many different versions of poker, as well as hundreds of sites online. So, how do we choose the ones that are worth your time and money?
We do so through an intricate review process that covers everything needed for a safe and enjoyable gameplay, e.g., game variety, trustworthiness, features, responsiveness, etc.
We test the games and sites ourselves, we use real player feedback, and we scour through hundreds of offers each month. This is more than just what we do. This is our mission, as we want to give back and know you have the best place to have fun and do it safely.
When it comes to casinos, we always start by checking if they have a valid license. Without that, nothing else would matter, even the best-looking offers. Only then, we move on to other aspects and features (like game portfolio, access to support, fairness of T&Cs, etc.).
Best Online Poker Sites
After you've chosen a poker variant, you need to pick the casino to play at. We bring you some suggestions that have passed the testing process we've hinted at above and we know will give you great poker experience:
LV Bet offers a healthy game selection, including poker titles and great features like exclusive bonuses and regular promos.
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind gameplay with one of the top crypto casinos. It comes with exclusive events and promos, top-notch 24/7 customer support, and 3,000+ games, including great poker variants.
Play like a demon on more than 5000 casino games, including the best poker games, and enjoy safe gameplay.
We can assure you that any of those picks have passed our tests with flying colours, so you are in safe hands with your choice.
CasinoWow Round Up
You already know the basics about online poker, so you're free to start playing. Do it at any of our suggestions above or from our list of top-rated online casinos and practice those skills.
You can also explore some other card games if you feel like experimenting with lesser-known variants of poker or other popular table games.
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