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Elias Malo
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Poker has captured the hearts of players worldwide with its combination of strategy, skill, and the occasional dash of good fortune. Learning how to play poker shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, but mastering its many variants requires time and dedication.

Every newcomer to the game starts by learning how to play poker for beginners. Once that’s covered, they explore different variants and develop their skills and strategies accordingly. To help you understand the differences, we’ve summarised the most popular poker variants in the UK and explained what types of bonuses you can use whilst playing them online.

The Fundamentals of How to Play Poker

Before jumping into gameplay, it’s very important to understand the basics of the game. To keep things simple, we’ve split the basics of poker and how to play into three distinct parts.

Part 1: Understanding What is Poker

Poker is a card game invented around the start of the 19th century in New Orleans. However, the game is inspired by European and Asian card and dice games dating further back. As such, there are many variations of the game, and while they are all referred to as poker, they follow different rules.

Generally, when players talk about poker, they are talking about Texas Hold’em, one of the world’s most popular variants of this casino card game. However, classic poker is what’s become known as Five Card Draw.

Before you can learn how to play poker for dummies or newbies, you need to decide which variant to focus on first.

Part 2: Becoming Familiar with the Playing Cards

While there are numerous poker variants available, they all have one element in common – the cards. No matter which version you’re playing, if it’s got poker in its name, then you’re most likely using cards to play. Most games use a traditional, 52-card deck, but some versions also include wild cards, such as jokers.

To ensure the game is fair, card decks are shuffled frequently at both online and land-based casinos. If you’re playing virtual games, the rank and suit of each card are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG) programmed to replicate real-world results.

The playing cards determine the poker winner and are a basic element of any game. Classic decks are split into four suits, which are diamonds, hearts, spades, and clubs. Diamonds and hearts are red while spades and clubs are black.

Every suit contains cards ranked from 2 to 10, as well as face cards, better known as Jack (J), Queen (Q), and King (K). Finally, the deck’s highest-ranking cards are the Aces (A).

Part 3: Exploring Basic Poker Gameplay

The rules of poker vary considerably, but the objective doesn’t. Using cards available to you, either in your hand or community cards, you need to create the strongest hand at the table. Beating your opponents, whether they are other players or the dealer, lets you claim the prize pot as the winner.

Throughout the game, you’ll have the opportunity to bet poker chips to increase the pot size. These represent currency in casino table games and can sometimes be used strategically through bluffing.

Some electronic versions of the game don’t feature any opponent, but your objective remains to create the strongest possible hand. As such, no matter which version you are playing, learning the poker hand rankings is vital, though memorising them is not.

Hand Rankings in Poker

After going over the fundamentals, your next step to learn how to play poker is to familiarise yourself with the classic poker hand rankings. Some variants may feature slightly different rankings, but these are generally the 10 card combinations you’ll use.

  • High Card: The weakest hand, where no combinations are formed, and the value of the highest card is used. Ace high is the best possible high card.
  • One Pair: A single pair of cards with the same rank, like two 9s.
  • Two Pair: Two sets of pairs, such as two 7s and two 4s.
  • Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank, like three Aces.
  • Straight: Five cards in sequential order but from different suits.
  • Flush: Any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
  • Full House: A combination of three cards of one rank and two of another, e.g., three Queens and two 10s.
  • Four of a Kind: Four cards of identical rank, such as four Kings.
  • Straight Flush: Five sequential cards of the same suit, like 7, 8, 9, 10, and J of hearts.
  • Royal Flush: The top-ranked hand, consisting of A, K, Q, J, and 10, all in the same suit.

Helpful Tip: Memorising poker hand rankings is not necessary, especially if you are learning how to play at home using online casinos. Games at the best online poker sites in the UK include the list of eligible hands in their paytable or options menu.

How to Play Poker Hand Rankings

How to Play 5 Card Poker

Known as classic poker, 5 Card Draw is a straightforward game commonly played in casual settings, such as at home, but it’s also available in some online poker rooms. Learning how to play 5 card poker will allow you to progress to more complex variants, such as Texas Hold’em.

  1. The Blinds

    At the start of every new round, players take turns placing a small blind and a big blind. These are blind bets placed before the Deal and they ensure that the pot is not empty. Bet values vary, but generally, big blinds are twice as valuable as small blinds.

  2. The Deal

    The dealer deals five cards facing down to each player at the table, starting from the one on his or her left. Players can view their cards but no one else’s. In land-based games, players must take extra care to hide their cards from their opponents.
  3. First Betting Round

    The player on the dealer’s left-hand side sets off the first betting round. As a minimum, the player must call, to match the big blind, or raise, increasing the value of the bet. If the player’s hand is weak, folding, or discarding the cards and exiting the round, is also an option
  4. The Draw

    When the first poker betting round is complete, players take turns discarding cards and getting replacements in the hope of creating strong hands. Normally, up to three or four cards may be discarded, but players don’t need to discard any of them.
  5. Second Betting Round

    Following the draw is the second and final betting stage. Once again, players can call to match the current table bet, raise to increase the bet value, check, if there are no new bets, and fold to drop out of the hand and forfeit any chance of winning the pot.
  6. Showdown

    If there are two or more remaining players after the second betting stage and all players checked, the game progresses to the showdown. Players place their cards on the table for everyone to see, starting with the last player to raise or bet. The player with the strongest hand wins the pot. If only one player gets to the showdown, there is no need to show their cards and win the pot automatically.

How to Play Online Poker Variants

The best casino sites in the UK offer more than one version of poker, allowing you to put your skills to the test in different environments. Below, you’ll find a summarised overview of popular variants to help you identify which format best suits your preferences.

How to Play Texas Hold’em Poker: Rules and Differences

Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker variant worldwide and is mistakenly thought to be the classic game. Unlike in 5 Card Draw, Texas Hold’em rules dictate that players are dealt two private cards, called hole cards, and share five community cards placed on the table.

The objective remains to make the best five-card hand, but you can use any combination of hole and community cards. Moreover, as you learn how to play Texas Hold’em poker further, you’ll discover that betting takes place in four rounds, namely the Pre-Flop, the Flop, the Turn, and finally, the River.

How to Play Omaha Poker: Rules and Differences

Omaha Poker is very similar to Texas Hold’em but with two key differences. First, each player is receives four hole cards instead of two. The second difference is that every hand at the showdown must combine two hole cards with three community cards.

These rules make the game more strategic, so many players learn how to play Omaha after they are confident playing Hold’em. The game is also more complex than 5-Card Draw, which is why poker beginners don’t usually pick this variant to learn the basics.

How to Play Stud Poker: Rules and Differences

There are several versions of Stud Poker, such as 5 and 7-Card Stud, where players are receive a mix of face-up and face-down cards over multiple rounds. Like in 5-Card Draw, there are no community cards, but unlike classic poker, players cannot exchange cards.

Strategy and bluffing play a significant role in the outcome of a game of Stud Poker. Unlike in other versions of the game, each hand’s outcome is entirely luck-based and there are no cards shared amongst players at the table.

MagicRed Caribbean Stud Poker

How to Play 3-Card Poker: Rules and Differences

In Three Card Poker, rules dictate that players compete against the dealer, not other players, so are similar to blackjack rules. No matter how many players are at the table, each one receives three cards and the goal is to have a stronger hand than the dealer.

Learning how to play 3 Card Poker is relatively simple since there’s no need for advanced strategy or bluffing. The only aspect that you have control over is deciding whether to stay in the game after your hand has been dealt.

Three Card Poker MagicRed Casino

How to Play Video Poker: Rules and Mechanics

Video poker combines the simplicity and mechanics of online slots with poker hand rankings. Players receive five cards and, similarly to 5-Card Draw, can decide which ones to hold and which to discard to form the best possible hand.

Unlike most other poker variants, there are no opponents, so learning how to play video poker is straightforward. Simply create a valid hand to win a fixed payout according to the game’s paytable.

The Art of Bluffing in Poker

Bluffing involves betting or acting in a way that suggests you have a stronger hand than you actually do. The goal is to make your opponents fold, allowing you to win the pot without a showdown. Bluffing works best when used sparingly and strategically, keeping your opponents guessing about your true intentions.

How to Bluff Whilst Playing Online Poker

To bluff successfully, you need more than just boldness. Here are some essential tips:

  • Tell a Consistent Story: Your betting patterns should align with the hand you’re pretending to have. For example, if you’re representing a strong flush, your bets should escalate as more suited cards appear on the board.
  • Pay Attention to Opponents: Study your opponents’ tendencies. Bluffing against cautious players is more effective than against aggressive ones who might call regardless of your actions.
  • Bluff in Moderation: Frequent bluffing makes you predictable and easy to counter. Use bluffs selectively to maintain an air of unpredictability.

Helpful Tip: Becoming competent in the art of bluffing is one of the most challenging aspects of learning how to play poker. Like any art, it takes time and patience to master and not everyone succeeds at the same rate. If you’d rather avoid it altogether, you might prefer casino-style poker games, such as 3 Card Poker or video poker.

Poker Bonuses at UK Casino Sites

Game rules and strategies are only part of the process of learning how to play poker online. Bonuses are another important aspect since using them correctly can boost your bankroll, provide you free entry into tournaments, or otherwise reward you as you play. There are many types of casino bonuses in the United Kingdom, but the following are the ones best suited for online poker games.

Welcome BonusesReload BonusRakebackFreerollsNo Deposit Offers

Welcome Bonuses

These are bonuses available to new players who sign up and place their first deposit. They often match the value of the deposit amount by a set percentage, providing additional funds for you to play with. These types of bonuses help new poker players explore the platform and its games without risking too much of their own money.

Reload Bonus

These casino bonuses are available to existing players to encourage them to add more funds to their accounts. Just like welcome bonuses, they typically match a percentage of the deposit. In some cases, they may instead provide poker chips or cashback, or unlock other prizes. Reload bonuses encourage continued play and reward player loyalty.

Rakeback

A rewards program where you get back a portion of the rake. The rake is the fee you pay to the house to participate in a game or tournament. This bonus effectively reduces the cost of playing over time. This bonus can be of great benefit if you’re a regular player by providing ongoing value. It’s typically found at platforms that offer regular poker cash games and tournaments where players play against each other.

Freerolls

Freeroll tickets provide free entry into poker tournaments that feature real cash prize pools. These bonuses let players compete without having the financial risk of the buy-in. They are ideal for honing skills and building a bankroll from scratch, especially if you’re fairly new to poker and don’t have significant playing experience.

No Deposit Offers

Certain poker casinos provide special rewards that have no payment requirement. These rewards give players the chance to try the poker site and its games and features risk-free. It’s an excellent way for beginners to get a feel for online poker without financial commitment. Unfortunately, while popular, these offers are quite rare in the UK.

Our Tips for Playing Online Poker in the UK

After reading how to play poker with simple instructions, you’re probably eager to start playing for real. Before you do, it’s a good idea to look at our top tips.

  1. Start with low stakes – Begin with low-stakes games to minimise risk while you learn the nuances of online poker. This allows you to build confidence and refine your strategy without significant financial pressure.
  2. Focus on one table at a time – Avoid multi-tabling as a beginner to concentrate fully on understanding the gameplay and opponents. Mastering a single table will help you make better decisions and recognise patterns more effectively.
  3. Use the time bank wisely – Online poker moves faster than live games, but most platforms offer a time bank for tough decisions. Use this feature to think through your actions carefully, especially in critical situations.
  4. Observe opponents’ betting patterns – Even online, players have tendencies that can reveal their strategies. Pay attention to their bet sizes, frequency of raises, and timing to gain valuable insights into their hands.
  5. Practice bankroll management – Set a clear budget and stick to it, ensuring you only play with money you can afford to lose to gamble responsibly. Effective bankroll management is crucial for long-term success and avoiding unnecessary stress.

Common Poker Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even after learning how to play a poker game, it’s possible to make mistakes while playing, especially when you’re using real money. We’ve summarised the top five most common mistakes made by poker players in the UK, including experienced players, to help you avoid them.

  • Playing too many hands – One of the most common poker mistakes is playing every hand regardless of its quality. Instead, focus on starting with strong hands and folding weaker ones, especially in early positions, to avoid unnecessary losses.
  • Ignoring table position – Failing to consider your position at the poker table can lead to costly decisions. Aim to play tighter in early positions and more aggressively in late positions where you can observe opponents’ actions before betting.
  • Overvaluing hands like Ace-King – Many players overestimate the strength of hands like Ace-King, forgetting that they are not guaranteed to win. Treat such hands with caution, especially if the board develops unfavourably, and don’t hesitate to fold if needed.
  • Multitasking during play – Getting distracted by other activities while playing can lead to poor decisions and missed opportunities. Stay focused on the game by eliminating distractions and fully engaging with each hand to improve your success rate.
  • Playing without a plan – Entering a game without a clear strategy can result in impulsive and inconsistent decisions. Instead, develop a plan based on safe gambling principles, including setting realistic goals with an affordable budget and having a disciplined approach to betting and folding.

Other Helpful Poker Playing Guides

Explore our full collection of useful guides to playing poker online:

Conclusion

Learning how to play poker in the UK requires mastering the game’s rules and developing strategic thinking and self-discipline. Whether you’re playing the classic poker game or modern favourites, like Texas Hold’em, spending a few moments learning hand rankings and optimum strategy can significantly improve your overall performance. Always remember to play responsibly and look out for suitable casino bonuses to grow your bankroll for free.

FAQs

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Elias Malo
Elias Malo

Elias Malo is a seasoned content writer specialising in online casinos and the iGaming industry. In 2024, he joined Casino Fever, where he crafts informative and engaging articles that adhere to industry regulations and reflect current trends. His work is known for combining deep expertise with a commitment to responsible and captivating content.

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