Learning how to play poker is straightforward for beginners. If you want to start playing poker, understanding the basics and rules is all you need.
There are many types of poker formats available, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and popular online variants such as Spin & Go’s. Below, we’ve broken down how to play each of these formats. However, you need to learn the basics before you learn how to play different poker formats.
Texas Hold’em Poker Rules
The easiest guide on how to play Texas Hold’em
If you’re eager to begin your poker journey and learn how to play poker, then you’re in the right place!
Below, we’ve broken down everything you need to know at a basic level to help you get started.
Hand Rankings in Poker
Hand rankings are one of the most important and basic poker game rules for you to understand. In almost all poker game formats, players who make the best five-card poker hand using the standard poker hand rankings will win.
We have broken down the hand rankings below which apply to almost all game formats in poker. We excluded some of them, such as lowball hand rankings. It’s worth noting lowball hand rankings are for more advanced players, so we’ll stick to the basics.
The rankings we have provided below range from 1 – 10, with 1 being the strongest and 10 being the weakest.
Here are all of the hand rankings in poker:
1. Royal Flush
This is the best hand possible in poker. A Royal Flush consists of A, K, Q, J, and 10, all of the same suit (in this example, the suit is hearts).
In the extremely rare event where 2 or more players have this hand, the pot (money being wagered) will be equally distributed among the players with this hand.
2. Straight Flush
A straight flush is also very rare. This consists of straight (5 consecutive cards) that are all the same suit (in this example, the suit is hearts).
If someone has a higher ranking straight flush than you, they will win. For example, if you have 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, someone who has 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 will win.
3. Four Of A Kind
A Four of a kind, also known as “quads”, is four cards of equal value and another card of any value, known as a “side card”.
The highest ranking four of a kind will win. For example, if you have A, A, A, A and K, you will beat J, J, J, J and K, because Aces rank higher than Jacks.
4. Full House
A full house is a full hand that has three cards of one value and 2 cards of another value.
Once again, if someone has a stronger full house than you they will win. For example, if you have Q, Q, Q, J and J, a player with K, K, K, A and A would win the pot.
5. Flush
A flush is a hand where all of the cards have the same suit (in this example, the suit is a spade).
No suit is stronger than another, so if you’re playing a poker game where two players can create a flush with different suits, the pot will be split equally.
6. Straight
A straight consists of 5 cards of consecutive value, which do not all have the same suit.
In the event you have a stronger straight than an opposing player, you will win. For example, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 will beat 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
7. Three Of A Kind
Three of a kind, also known as “trips”, has three cards of the same value with the other two cards of different values.
However, a higher value three of a kind can beat you. For example, if you have A, A, A, 6 and 7, you would beat someone who has 8, 8, 8, 2 and 4.
8. Two Pair
Two pair is a hand that has two sets of cards of equal and one side card of any value.
A higher-ranking two pair will win if another player has one. For example, A, A, K and K will beat 2, 2, 5 and 5.
9. One Pair
One pair consists of two cards of the same value and three extra cards of any value.
A high-ranking one pair will beat a lower-ranking one. For example, A, A will beat K, K.
10. High Card
This is the lowest-ranking hand in poker. It consists of 5 cards which do not make any combinations.
In a situation where you have this hand, the highest-ranking card will count as the “high card”. In the example above, Ace is the high card.
Blinds and Antes
Understanding how blinds and antes work is one of the basic game rules for poker. We’ll break down how both of these work, step by step.
Blinds (Big Blind and Small Blind)
First, we have blinds, including the “small blind” and “big blind”. These act as functions that force bets, serving as the foundation of many poker games.
Two of the most popular game formats in which the small blind and big blind exist are Omaha and Texas Hold’em. It’s essential to know how these forced bets work to play the game.
In games that use blinds, each hand begins with the small blind placed to the left of the dealer button, and the big blind to the left of the small blind. As a result, players in these positions will be forced to put in a set bet.
For example: If there are three players in a game and the big blind is set at $20, the player left to the dealer button (small blind) will contribute $10. Meanwhile, the player to the left of the small blind (big blind) will contribute $20. At this point, each player would be dealt their cards and the play can begin.
After the hand has come to an end and the next round of betting starts, the button moves to the left, and therefore, so do the blinds.
Antes
Antes serve as forced bets that are either placed by all players at the poker table, or by the player in the big blind position in some other game formats.
If you are playing a game format where antes are in play, all players must wager a predetermined amount before the hand starts.
For example: if you are playing a $5/$10 cash game with a $1 ante, each player on the poker table will have to contribute $1 to the pot before the hands begin. Antes are in addition to blinds, meaning that the games start off bigger with antes.
Limit vs. No Limit Games
This is one of the easier poker game rules to understand.
In a no-limit poker game, players can bet all their chips at any moment. This includes going all-in and wagering all their chips.
Meanwhile, in pot-limit poker games, there will be a limit on how much a player can place as a bet, depending on the size of the pot.
There are also fixed-limit poker games, where bets will have predetermined amounts. In fixed-limit games, players cannot place bets more than the predetermined amount
Actions and Betting Rounds
To learn poker, it’s essential to understand the actions you can take at the table and the different betting rounds. Below, we’ll break down these actions and explain the betting rounds..
Betting Rounds
In poker games such as Omaha and Hold’em, there will be multiple betting rounds, where a different number of community cards (cards in the centre of the table) will be dealt. The betting rounds are as follows:
Preflop
The preflop betting round starts after each player has been dealt their two private hole cards but before any community cards have been revealed.
In this betting round, you can assess the strength of your hand based on the two cards you are dealt and decide whether to fold, call the big blind, or raise
Flop
The flop betting round begins after the first three community cards are dealt face-up on the table.
At this stage, you will get a better sense of how your hand may develop by combining your hole cards with the community cards.
Turn
After the flop betting round, the fourth community card, known as the “turn,” is dealt.
This gives players a clearer picture of potential hands, often leading to larger bets as players either strengthen their hands or continue chasing draws.
River
The river is the final community card dealt, completing the five-card board.
At this stage, players have all the information they need to determine the strength of their hand. Since no more cards will be dealt, this is often the most decisive betting round.
Actions
As well as betting rounds, there are different actions you can take during each round of betting.
Here are the different actions you can take:
- Check: Do not bet and pass the play to the next player.
- Fold: Folding is the action of discarding your hand and forfeiting any chance to win the current pot.
- Bet: Place a bet of your chosen size on the table.
- Call: Match the bet of the opposing players.
All these terms might seem simple, but necessary if you would like to learn how to play poker properly.
Poker Table Stakes
One of the most common yet essential game rules for poker to understand is “table stakes”. Whether you’re playing live poker or online poker, it’s key to understand that if you want to learn how to play poker.
Table stakes means that once a hand begins, you can only bet what amount you have at the time when beginning.
For example, if you have $50 on the table and wager this in the second betting round (the flop), you can’t put more money on the table to play with until the betting rounds are over.
Conclusion
Learning how to play poker is all about mastering the basics, understanding key actions, and familiarising yourself with the different poker formats. Whether it’s Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or fast-paced games like Spin & Go, knowing the hand rankings, betting rounds, and table stakes is essential to improving your skills and enjoying the game.
By following the game rules for poker and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to confidently play different formats and make the best decisions at the table. With time and experience, you’ll develop your strategies and fully enjoy the excitement that poker has to offer!
Best Poker Sites to Play
Now you know the poker rules, are you ready to put your poker skills to the test? We’ve selected the top online poker sites where you can play various formats, from Texas Hold’em to Omaha and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a regular player at the tables, these platforms offer the best gaming experience, security, and bonuses to enhance your gameplay.
To enhance your poker experience, Universal Poker has partnered with these top sites to offer exclusive bonuses for our players. Explore the special deals we have available to you and take your poker game to the next level!
Full Universal Poker T&C’s apply. 18+. Play Responsibly. GambleAware.org
FAQ Section
What does it mean to “go all-in” in poker?
Going “all-in” means betting all your remaining chips during a hand. If you win, you could more than double your chips, but if you lose, you’ll be out of chips.
What are table stakes in poker, and how do they affect gameplay?
Table stakes refer to the amounts that players can buy in for or bet during a game. Stakes are categorized by the size of the bets or buy-ins.
What are the different types of poker formats?
Popular formats include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Spin & Go, each with unique strategies and rules.
What is the difference between cash games and tournaments in poker?
Cash games allow players to buy in or cash out at any time, while tournaments have a single buy-in with increasing blinds and eliminations.
How do I improve my poker skills as a beginner?
Practice is key. Start with low-stakes games, study poker resources, and analyze hands to recognize mistakes and areas for improvement.
How does the concept of bluffing work in poker?
Bluffing involves convincing opponents you have a stronger hand, encouraging them to fold. Successful bluffing requires timing, reading opponents, and strategy.