FAQ: What is poker?
Dec 18th, 2007 by Manju
Poker is a family of card games often played by gamblers. One common denominator among all these games is that players wager on the value of their total cards, known as a “hand.”
FAQ: What is a poker “hand”?
A poker hand is a set of cards that form a theme. Usually a hand has five hands though a hand may have one or more cards that are not part of the theme (unmatched cards).
Themes are determined by standard poker hand rankings. An example is the “flush” hand: five cards of the same suit.
FAQ: How is a poker game played?
Generally, the game begins with some or all players making forced bets to make sure there is money to be played for. Next, cards are dealt to each player. Then everyone takes turns betting based on the value of their cards. Players may “fold” or quit the game if they are unhappy with their cards; “call” or make the same bet as the last one; or “raise” to increase the wager. Then, depending on the game, more cards may be dealt or players may have a chance to replace their cards. One or more betting rounds may follow, in which players may not only fold, call or raise; they may also “check” or pass if there is no bet to call. If more than one player stays in the game to the end (i.e. they do not fold), there is a “showdown” in which the best poker hand wins.
FAQ: What poker games are there?
Many poker games have developed, but they are all based on three main types of games:
Draw poker games: In a draw game, you can throw away some or all of your initial cards and “draw” new ones if you are not happy with them.
Stud poker games: In a stud poker game, each player is dealt some cards facing up and cards facing down. Betting is determined by whoever has the highest or lowest visible hand, depending on which variant is played.
Community card poker game: Community card games are also called shard card games. They get the name because aside from the face-down cards that each player receives, the dealer also gives face-up cards as the common property of all players. This means that if an Ace of Clubs comes up as a community card, everyone owns that card and may use it to make their hand.
FAQ: Which poker game should a beginner play first?
The first game you should play is perhaps a video poker (slot machine-like) game like Jacks or Better. Video poker games like Jacks or Better are based in draw poker. You are dealt five cards and have the option to replace one or more of those cards. The higher the poker hand you get, the bigger the prize you win. Video poker is a good way to memorize poker hands and their values.
If you want to play against other players, try Texas Holdem first. It is a community card game with lots of books and resources available.
FAQ: Do I have to go to a casino to play poker?
You can play right at home! There are thousands of online poker rooms and online casinos for you to choose from. You just have to register in a poker web site, download their software (if needed), deposit money and start playing. You can also play with virtual money so you can enjoy the game without risking anything. But of course, poker is meant to be a gambler’s sport and nothing beats the real thing.