While there is a myriad of poker card games, the most common and popular game of poker is Texas Hold’em. The rules and the ways of playing the different poker games though vary, the underlying basics remain the same. Poker differs from other card games as bluffing is a salient feature of the former.
Introduction to Poker
Most often, gambling is synonymous with poker. Typically, poker is a common term used for various types of card games in casinos. While poker is not limited to playing in casinos, the one played at the comforts of your home, as a popular pastime, is not that different from playing at the land-based or even online casinos.
The card game of poker is basically played for money that each player wagers on. Every player aims to win the pot that refers to the amount placed by the poker players as bets. While in casinos, players gamble for winning real money, in pokers played at house parties or for leisure, the players bet on various possessions or favors.
Poker in a Casino
In casual poker played at homes or parties, each player takes the turn in shuffling and dealing the cards. However, a house dealer deals the cards for each hand. The order of betting is most often determined by rotating the button among the players.
Depending on the type of poker game, the cards are either dealt face-up or face-down. The game will have many betting rounds where the players are either dealt with additional cards or they can replace the previously dealt cards. All bets are then collected in the pot.
During any time of the betting rounds, players can choose to ‘call’ the bets while the remaining players fold to end the hand. Here, the bettor wins the pot by bluffing. However, bluffing doesn’t work always, and most often depends on your opponents.
How to Play Poker in a Casino?
Before getting into playing poker, it is important to know the following;
- Understand the hand ranking and the betting rules
Understanding the hand ranking helps you in determining the best hand at showdown. A hand is typically a combination of 5 cards. There are different types of hand ranks like Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Two Pair, High Card, etc. Please note, the hand ranking rules remain the same irrespective of the poker variants.
- Staring the bets or placing the blinds
Depending on the poker variant, the blinds are placed either of the two ways: small and big blinds or each player can “ante up.”
- Know when to use the poker terms
To avoid betting, use the term “check” and use the term, “call” to match the bet with another player. The term, “raise” is used for adding money to the pot. When you don’t want to match the bet with a player who “calls”, say “fold.”
- Poker etiquette
It is important to understand that string betting is not allowed in poker. And, if you want to raise the bets, make sure to call it out for making it obvious. Avoid using phones at the table. And, if you want to take calls, leave the table provided you are not involved in a hand.
Steps Involved in Playing Poker
Step 1: Signing up on the list or queue for a poker game at the casino
Typically, the casinos have on display the available tables and the games currently in progress. If you cannot find it, you can always ask a waitress or other casino assistants.
Step 2: Buy the poker chips and placing bets
While some tables enable you to buy chips at the table, sometimes there is a different counter for buying the chips. Some casinos also have chip runners who will get the chips for you.
Step 3: Playing the game
Once you have figured out the basic rules and signed up for a table, all that remains is playing the game.
Conclusion
While poker has many variants like Omaha, Texas Hold’em, etc, the hand rank rules remain the same. Also, understanding the basics of poker is important irrespective of the game.
