Source: World Series of Poker
Select the right game for your skill level and pocket: Don’t jump into a game with higher stakes just because you just won an easier one. It’s better to be the best player at an easier table than the loser at the harder one.
Don't play when you are emotional: You won’t play your best if you play “on tilt” -- playing emotionally, not rationally. If you lose your cool during a game, take time out to calm down -- otherwise, you risk having other players pick up on your state of mind and take advantage of you.
Be willing to fold more often: Don’t feel like you have to play every hand – you will only lose more this way. If you are dealt a poor hand, don’t stick with it hoping to improve it. If you are obviously beaten, be willing to part ways with your hand, no matter how good it was when it was dealt, or how much money you’ve put into the pot.
Pay attention to the other players: Watch other players, even if you’ve already folded. Watch for patterns, player reactions, and body language. File this information in your mind and use it when you need it.
Don’t assume that playing at the casino is just like playing online: At the casino, you’ll have to play more wisely against possibly more skilled players. Also, your body language and tells are now on display for all to see, which is not as easy to figure out online.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Texas Hold'em 101 - Part One
Some Winning Tips
Before the Flop:
Starting Hands: Position, Patience and Power are the key to winning in Texas Hold’em. The most important decision you will make is choosing to play a starting hand. The biggest mistake a player makes is playing too many hands. Being aware of your Position in relationhip to the dealer is important in Texas Hold’em. You need a stronger hand to act from early position because you have more players acting after you who may raise or re-raise the pot. It is important that you are Patient and wait for Powerful starting hands to play from the correct position.
The player to the left of the big blind acts first before the flop. He along with the other two players to his left are in early position. The next three players are middle position and the ones after that are in late position.
The blinds act last before the flop and first after it. Here are some guidelines for stating hands that I recommend you play when you are starting out. They are fairly tight but will give you a good foundation to work with until you learn a little more about the game.
In Early position
Raise with A-A, K-K and A-Ks from any position. (s denotes suited cards) Call with A-K, A-Qs, K-Qs and Q-Q J-J, T-T and fold everything else.
In Middle position
Call with, 9-9, 8-8, A-Js, A-Ts, Q-Js, A-Q, K-Q
In Late position
Call with A-Xs, K-Ts, Q-Ts, J-Ts, A-J, A-T and small pairs. (note x denotes any card) It takes a stronger hand to call a raise than it does to make with one, If there is a raise before it is your turn to act you should fold. Why put in two bets with marginal hands?
Note: Many players will play any two suited cards from any position and they will play an Ace with any small kicker. These hands are losers in the long run and you should avoid getting into the habit of playing them. They are traps that will cost you money.
Texas Hold'em 101 - Part Two
The Blinds
Once you post your blind the money no longer belongs to you. Many players feel they must defend their blinds by calling all raises even with marginal hands. Don’t waste additional money on marginal hands. Also, don’t automatically call with the small blind if you have nothing. Saving a half bet will pay for your next small blind.
The Flop
Deciding whether to continue playing after seeing the flop will be your second biggest decision. It can also be one of the most costly decisions if you continue after the flop with an inferior hand. It is said that the flop defines your hand. That is because after the flop your hand will be 71 percent complete. Where does this figure come from? Assuming you play your hand out to the end, it will consist of seven cards. After the flop you have seen five cards or 5/7 of the final hand, which is equal to 71 percent.
With this much of your hand completed you should have enough information to determine whether to continue. Poker Author Shane Smith coined the phrase “Fit or Fold. If the flop does not fit your hand by giving you top pair, or better or a straight or flush draw, then you should fold if there is a bet in front of you. If you played a small pair from late position and you do not flop a third one to make a set you should throw the pair away if there is a bet.
The Turn
If you think you have the best hand after seeing the Turn card and are first to act, then go ahead and bet. Many players will try to get fancy and attempt to check raise in this position. If the other players also check, you have lost a bet or two. In low limit games the straight forward approach is usually the best as there are plenty of players who will call you. Make them pay. Why give them a free card if you don’t have to.
If another player raises on the turn and you hold only one pair you are more than likely beaten and should fold.
If you get to the Turn and you hold only two unsuited overcards (two cards higher that any cards on the board) with no flush or straight draws, then you should fold if there is a bet in front of you. Too much money is lost by players who hope to catch a miracle card on the river. The best hand you can make with two unsuited overcards is a pair which will probably lose anyways.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Michael Jordan wins another trophy!
Source: Poker.com
Recently longtime New York Knick player Trent Tucker, had a charity event to benefit the “Trent Tucker Youth Program.”Normally, this event is all about the golf, and people pay a minimum of $5,000 per person to play with the likes of Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnett, Patrick Ewing, Byron Scott, Charles Oakley, Scottie Pippen and many other NBA stars and celebrities. The 2006 version included a no-limit Hold ’em charity poker tournament at Canterbury Card Casino.
About 120 players entered the poker tournament including Johnny Chan, Michael “the Grinder” Mizrachi, Greg Raymer, Phil Gordon, Liz Liu, John Phan, Patrick Antonious, Marcel Luske, Phil Hellmuth and of course the No. 1 celebrity in the world, Michael Jordan. Jordan was chip leader for most of the night, at one stage he called the $4,000 big blind bet (he limped in) in late position with A-A.
Limping in with pocket aces is a pretty sophisticated play, and it worked like a charm when the flop came down 8-6-2, and he busted the player in the small blind (who was holding Q-8). Later Jordan limped in with A-J, whereupon the small blind moved all-in with A-10, and the big blind called all-in with his short stack of chips with 10-3. He called, and was a huge favorite to win an enormous pot. The flop was J-4-4 and Jordan busted two players on one hand on his way to the final table still in the chip lead.
Phil Gordon announced the final table action while the spectators gathered around seven deep to watch Jordan attempt to win one more championship. One key hand Jordan had 5-5, with a flop of 7s-7d-2s, and he bet out. The only player at the table that had him covered moved all-in, and Jordan — who had been playing with that particular player all night — studied for almost 80 seconds before he called. It was a great call, and Jordan now took a huge chip lead with three players remaining. When Jordan made it down to the final two players, he was all-in with A-7 vs. his opponents Q-9. He needed the A-7 to stand up (he was about a 57 percent favorite), and if it did, then he would have a huge chip lead.
The flop came down 8-7-6, and now the player with the Q-9 needed a five, a nine, a ten, or a queen. It was a dangerous flop for Jordan, but the next card was a seven, and now he only had to hold off a five or a 10 on the last card. The last card was a jack, and Jordan went on to win the title, the trophy, and the $25,000 first place prize, which he promptly donated right back to the Trent Tucker Charity, along with the $50,000 he paid for the custom made “chopper” motorcycle he bought for his friend Mr. Oakley.
This was Jordan's first Hold ’em tournament win, but he is a man who collects titles, so watch out poker world!
Recently longtime New York Knick player Trent Tucker, had a charity event to benefit the “Trent Tucker Youth Program.”Normally, this event is all about the golf, and people pay a minimum of $5,000 per person to play with the likes of Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnett, Patrick Ewing, Byron Scott, Charles Oakley, Scottie Pippen and many other NBA stars and celebrities. The 2006 version included a no-limit Hold ’em charity poker tournament at Canterbury Card Casino.
About 120 players entered the poker tournament including Johnny Chan, Michael “the Grinder” Mizrachi, Greg Raymer, Phil Gordon, Liz Liu, John Phan, Patrick Antonious, Marcel Luske, Phil Hellmuth and of course the No. 1 celebrity in the world, Michael Jordan. Jordan was chip leader for most of the night, at one stage he called the $4,000 big blind bet (he limped in) in late position with A-A.
Limping in with pocket aces is a pretty sophisticated play, and it worked like a charm when the flop came down 8-6-2, and he busted the player in the small blind (who was holding Q-8). Later Jordan limped in with A-J, whereupon the small blind moved all-in with A-10, and the big blind called all-in with his short stack of chips with 10-3. He called, and was a huge favorite to win an enormous pot. The flop was J-4-4 and Jordan busted two players on one hand on his way to the final table still in the chip lead.
Phil Gordon announced the final table action while the spectators gathered around seven deep to watch Jordan attempt to win one more championship. One key hand Jordan had 5-5, with a flop of 7s-7d-2s, and he bet out. The only player at the table that had him covered moved all-in, and Jordan — who had been playing with that particular player all night — studied for almost 80 seconds before he called. It was a great call, and Jordan now took a huge chip lead with three players remaining. When Jordan made it down to the final two players, he was all-in with A-7 vs. his opponents Q-9. He needed the A-7 to stand up (he was about a 57 percent favorite), and if it did, then he would have a huge chip lead.
The flop came down 8-7-6, and now the player with the Q-9 needed a five, a nine, a ten, or a queen. It was a dangerous flop for Jordan, but the next card was a seven, and now he only had to hold off a five or a 10 on the last card. The last card was a jack, and Jordan went on to win the title, the trophy, and the $25,000 first place prize, which he promptly donated right back to the Trent Tucker Charity, along with the $50,000 he paid for the custom made “chopper” motorcycle he bought for his friend Mr. Oakley.
This was Jordan's first Hold ’em tournament win, but he is a man who collects titles, so watch out poker world!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
France Arrests Two Online Bookmaker Executives
Source: Pokernews.com
France has now joined the United States in the pursuit of online gaming companies after their law enforcement authorities took two executives of a prominent company into custody on Friday. Manfred Bodner and Norbert Teufelberger, the two leaders of Austrian online bookmaker Bwin, were arrested during a press conference unveiling their sponsorship of a soccer team from Monaco. The two were arrested for "organizing illegal bets online" and "advertising online betting" which are against the law in France. Against the law, that is, unless the companies are French in origin.
While the French authorities have said that "online bets are forbidden in France", there are legally accepted companies, French in origin, that are allowed to operate. The French Lottery is allowed to wager online as are two French bookmaking operations, Francaise des Jeux and Pari Mutuel Urbain, which have faced no action and are actually state sponsored by the government. Again it seems that if the company is sponsored by the goverment, and the government receives kickback from these ventures, all of a sudden it becomes ok. Nothing dodgy here.
In a pending case in front of the European Union trade organization, France is one of the seven countries that have faced scrutiny over prevention of outside foreign competition in the online gaming industry. When asked if there would be more arrests of online executives in the future, a French intelligence official said, "If we have evidence, we will look at them." This has helped to cause a fall in the stock prices of many of the online firms that trade on the London Stock Market.
The French arrests follow on the heels of two online executives being arrested in the United States over the past two months. Peter Carruthers, former CEO of BetOnSports, was taken into custody in July and Peter Dicks, former chairman of SportingBet, was arrested earlier this month, both for their companies acceptance of wagers from Americans. The major difference between these arrests is, in Europe, online bookmaking is a regulated and recognized industry, something that was pointed out vehemently by Bwin officials.
So it seems the online gambling war continues. More tomorrow.
Backdoor move to ban Web gambling fizzles
WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., tried to attach an Internet gambling ban to a defense bill last week but was rebuffed by two powerful senators, congressional sources said Monday.
Despite the setback, advocates said GOP leaders will keep trying to add an online wagering prohibition to must-pass legislation until Congress adjourns this year. AdvertisementFrist approached Sen. John Warner, R-Va., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and asked him to add an Internet gambling ban to a defense authorization bill, according to congressional staffers who requested anonymity.
But after checking with Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, the ranking Democrat on the committee, Warner rejected the idea because an online wagering ban would not be relevant to defense legislation.
A source close to Frist confirmed the majority leader made the proposal to Warner, but declined to elaborate. After hearing of Frist's proposal, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., sent Warner a letter urging him to reject any amendment that would ban online betting."We must not use this important (defense) bill as a convenient vehicle for political pet issues such as a ban on Internet gaming," Berkley said.
Berkley opposed an Internet gambling ban that passed the House 317-93 in July. Although the Department of Justice has said Internet gambling is illegal, the $12 billion industry continues to grow, with more than 2,300 Web sites. Frist, who has been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate in 2008, criticized online wagering during an August visit to Iowa. While in Iowa, Frist joined Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, one of the two main sponsors of the ban that passed the House, in conducting an informal field hearing critical of Internet gambling. On Sept. 5, the day Congress returned from its August recess, Frist made a speech on the Senate floor and listed an Internet gambling ban as one of his priorities as Congress rushes toward adjournment. Frist's second term expires this year, and he is not running for re-election.
------Here's the 2+2 thread if you want to keep track of the analysis.
Source: Guiness and Poker
Despite the setback, advocates said GOP leaders will keep trying to add an online wagering prohibition to must-pass legislation until Congress adjourns this year. AdvertisementFrist approached Sen. John Warner, R-Va., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and asked him to add an Internet gambling ban to a defense authorization bill, according to congressional staffers who requested anonymity.
But after checking with Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, the ranking Democrat on the committee, Warner rejected the idea because an online wagering ban would not be relevant to defense legislation.
A source close to Frist confirmed the majority leader made the proposal to Warner, but declined to elaborate. After hearing of Frist's proposal, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., sent Warner a letter urging him to reject any amendment that would ban online betting."We must not use this important (defense) bill as a convenient vehicle for political pet issues such as a ban on Internet gaming," Berkley said.
Berkley opposed an Internet gambling ban that passed the House 317-93 in July. Although the Department of Justice has said Internet gambling is illegal, the $12 billion industry continues to grow, with more than 2,300 Web sites. Frist, who has been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate in 2008, criticized online wagering during an August visit to Iowa. While in Iowa, Frist joined Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, one of the two main sponsors of the ban that passed the House, in conducting an informal field hearing critical of Internet gambling. On Sept. 5, the day Congress returned from its August recess, Frist made a speech on the Senate floor and listed an Internet gambling ban as one of his priorities as Congress rushes toward adjournment. Frist's second term expires this year, and he is not running for re-election.
------Here's the 2+2 thread if you want to keep track of the analysis.
Source: Guiness and Poker
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Poker Book Review
The Illustrated Guide to No Limit Texas Hold'Em
Author: Dennis Purdy
This book is a great starting book for beginners. I think most intermediate and advanced players will already be applying the principles covered, though some of the Limit/No Limit differences may be subtle enough to peak your interest.
The main part of this book is the 150 real game situations, which are quite comprehensive in terms of coverage. For each situation, it details the win rate of the starting hand and lists the chip stacks and positions of your opponents. A question is then posed and a subsequent answer is given, often with a detailed explanation of what the options are, which is the best option and why.
There is quite a bit of continuity between the situations where the starting hand is taken through to the showdown and each succeeding situation covers what your options are at each stage.
Aside from a few illustrative errors (Page 148 where you have a Seven of Clubs in your hand as well as on the board for instance), it covers all of the things a beginner should be learning about. Starting hand strength and win rate, pot odds, assessing what your opponent has and most importantly, when to lay those killer starting hands down post flop.
It only covers tournament situations but the basic principles can be applied to cash games.
All in all, a quick and easy read for those wanting to gain some knowledge in some basic No Limit Hold'Em strategy.
The Death of AdSense
Everywhere you look you will see: The Death of AdSense There is a lot of "b..ls..t" being written about this report.I think you should read it: by following this link: And make up your own mind.
This is what Eric Giguere is saying - he is THE Google Adsense guru:
There’s certainly some truth to the assertion that things changed rapidly for big-time AdSense publishers after this change was made. It didn’t take long for advertisers to start excluding their ads from the content network, especially for pricey things. But it’s kind of like crying wolf — after all, many (most) of the big-time publishers were making their money using MFA (made for AdSense) sites that really didn’t profit the advertisers when compared to the ads that were shown on the SERPs. So the smart advertisers use split campaigns now, paying less for ads shown on the content network than those shown on Google’s sites. Why not? It’s what I’d do (and in fact what I do do) as an advertiser.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Poker Terms Part One
A Hand: Five cards, which player collects from pocket cards and community cards.
Action: Money that is being bet.
All-In: A bet that places all of a player's chips into the pot.
Ante: A small bet all players are required to make before a hand is dealt.
Big blind: An amount of chips that second player to the left of the dealer has to bet, depending on stakes.
Buy-In: The minimum amount of money required to join a game; the actual amount of money used to join the game.
Call: To put in to the pot the minimum amount of money necessary to continue playing.
Check: To pass on betting.
Check Raise: To check initially, then raise a bet made later on in the same betting round.
Cold Call: Calling a bet and raise at the same time instead of calling a bet first, then later calling a raise.
Community Cards: Cards that are dealt face up in the center of the table, available for all players to use in making a hand.
Dealer: A person who shuffles a deck and deals cards to players.
Dealer button: A red button which indicates the dealer. It is passed clockwise after every hand.
Draw Out: To receive a card that transforms your hand from a losing hand to a winning hand.
Flat Call: To call a bet without raising.
Flop: The first three cards that are dealt on the board.
Flush: A poker hand consisting of five cards of the same suit.
FOLD: To give up by placing your cards face down on the table, and losing whatever you have bet so far. You only "fold" when you think your hand is too weak to compete against the other players.
Four Flush: Four cards to a flush
Four of a Kind: A hand containing all four cards of the same rank.
Full House: A hand consisting of 3-of-a-kind and a (different) pair.
Heads Up: Playing a single opponent.
Hold'em: a poker game in which players receive a certain number (2 to 4) of hole cards and 5 community cards. Normally, there are betting rounds after dealing the hole cards, then after dealing 3 upcards (Flop), after dealing a 4th upcard (Turn) and finally after dealing a 5th upcard (River).
Hole Cards: The face-down cards dealt to each player in stud and Hold'em games.
No-Limit Poker: A poker game where there is no maximum bet - players can wager any amount up to the amount of money on the table in front of him.
Omaha: A variety of Hold'em in which players receive 4 hole cards and must use exactly two of them (together with 3 of 5 board cards) to make a hand.
Source: World Series of Poker
Poker Terms Part 2
Open-Handed: A category of games characterized by a part of each player's hand being exposed.
Overpair: n. In Hold'em, a pair in the hole that is larger than any community card on the board.
Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
Pocket Card: First two cards that were dealt by dealer.
Quads: n. Four of a kind.
Rainbow: adj. In flop games, a flop in which no two cards are of the same suit. "The flop was A 9 7 rainbow."
Raise: To wager more than the minimum required to call, forcing other players to put in more money as well.
River card: Fifth card of the board.
Royal Flush: n. An ace-high straight flush, the best possible hand in regular poker.
See: When you "see" another player it means that you match their bet. So whatever the other player bets and you still want to stay in the game, however you have to "see" their bet by placing the same amount into the kitty.
Showdown: At the end of the final betting round, all active players turn their cards face up to see who has won the pot.
Small blind: An amount of chips that player to the left of the dealer has to bet, depending on stakes.
Straight: n. A hand consisting of 5 cards in sequence but not in suit.
Straight Flush: n. A hand consisting of 5 cards in sequence and the same suit.
Table Stakes: A standard rule whereby during a hand players can only bet the money they have on the table. If the bet to a player is more than the player's stack, that player may call with all his chips and be eligible to win only that portion of the pot he contributed to equally. A side pot is created, for which only the remaining players may compete.
Three of A Kind: n. Three cards all the same rank.
Turn card: Fourth card of the board. It is called fourth river as well.
Source: World Series of Poker
Friday, September 15, 2006
Jamie Gold: The 2006 WSOP Champion
Tonight we saw what proved to be a truly action-packed final table with Jamie Gold personally knocking out seven of the other eight players. Gold certainly had some help from the cards in this match but showed that he was able to mix it up with some well-timed bluffs and key plays as well. After eliminating Paul Wasicka a short time into heads-up play, Jamie was able to put on the bracelet he had worked so hard to earn and finally bask in the knowledge that he had done the seemingly impossible and become this year's World Champion of Poker. In a short Q&A session after the match, Gold talked a bit about his experience at the WSOP this year.
With the chip lead you had coming into this final table this event was really yours to lose, how did you deal with that here tonight?
Absolutely, I didn't focus on it. A few of my friends said "C'mon, there's no way you can lose this." I just didn't want to listen to that, I didn't think about it. All I thought about were the players I was playing with at each table, I never thought about the tournament, everyday I would think about my table and I crushed every table I played at except for one that I was on with Danny Negreanu. I could not beat him. He was amazing - I could not beat him.
Daniel actually gave you a lot of compliments tonight; he said he couldn't figure your game out.
Well, I think he's incredible. I tried to bluff him and he caught me with the one hand we were in together. I can't play as well as he plays, but I played pretty well in this tournament.
You're your own agent, how are you going to market yourself now?
I'm actually not. I have amazing agents. I'm not going to market myself at all, but these guys are amazing and I'm really lucky to be with them.
You're very successful in Hollywood, so how are you going to bridge the gap, because you're going to be amazing for poker with your communication skills.
I'm going to do both. I have incredible partners who have allowed me to take two weeks off while I'm supposed to be in charge of a production that's happening right now, but they believed in me and understood that this was something that was so important to me. I told them I wanted to give it one shot. I've never played in the World Series before, but I believed I could do it. I've won a lot of small tournaments but I wanted to see if I could compete with the best.
Johnny Chan told me I could, all my friends told me that I could, I thought that I could and my partners were kind enough to let me do it.
Whenever I'm not working, all I do is play poker, and I really love it, and I'm going to continue doing it. I'm going to play as many tournaments as I can, and my partners will understand but I'm not going to leave them. Next week I'm going back to work.
Your style of play has been described as "controlled chaos," do you agree with that and if so what does it mean?
Absolutely, I don't have a style of play. I change my style based on the players I'm playing against. I happen to get great reads on most of the players I play against, except Daniel Negreanu. Thank god he wasn't at the final table.
Are you going to be here next year to defend your title?
Oh yeah. Unless I'm in a hospital somewhere, I'm going to be here. I can't wait to play again.
Source: 2006 WSOP
Poker Tips
- Don’t assume that playing at the casino is just like playing online: At the casino, you’ll have to play more wisely against possibly more skilled players. Also, your body language and tells are now on display for all to see, which is not as easy to figure out online.
- Select the right game for your skill level and pocket: Don’t jump into a poker game with higher stakes just because you just won an easier one. It’s better to be the best player at an easier table than the loser at the harder one.
- Don't play when you are emotional: You won’t play your best if you play “on tilt” -- playing emotionally, not rationally. If you lose your cool during a game, take time out to calm down -- otherwise, you risk having other players pick up on your state of mind and take advantage of you.
- Be willing to fold more often: Don’t feel like you have to play every hand – you will only lose more this way. If you are dealt a poor hand, don’t stick with it hoping to improve it. If you are obviously beaten, be willing to part ways with your hand, no matter how good it was when it was dealt, or how much money you’ve put into the pot.
- Pay attention to the other players: Watch other players, even if you’ve already folded. Watch for patterns, player reactions, and body language. File this information in your mind and use it when you need it.
- Bluff wisely and sparingly: Don’t bluff just for the sake of bluffing. Don't use it as a way to get yourself out of folding all the time. Fold if you have to -- bluff occasionally.
How to Play Texas Holdem Game - Part 1
So you're new to Texas Hold'Em poker? Not a problem. Texas Hold 'Em poker is by far the best game for a beginner to learn. Instead of other poker games like Omaha High or 7 card stud which entail a great many more possibilities for calculating odds and perhaps even trying to count cards, Hold'Em can be learned in a few minutes by anyone, and you can be playing fairly well with a few hours practice. In order to learn the game, however, you must play and you must play fairly often.
One poker room, PacificPoker, offers a wide variety of play money tables for beginners to practice their skills until they're ready to move up to the fun at real money tables. We recommend this card room to new players, as this site is one of the fastest growing new cardrooms (and full of other new players!)
A Texas Hold em poker game goes as follows:
- The betting structure can vary. Sometimes antes are used, but most games start with two players to the left of the dealer placing out a predetermined amount of money so there is an initial amount to get things started. This is called posting the blinds. Check out our page on blinds and antes.
- The dealer shuffles up a standard deck of 52 playing cards.
- Each player is dealt two cards face down. These are called your hole or pocket cards.
- Then there is a round of betting starting with the guy to the left of the two who posted the blinds. This round is usually referred to by the term pre-flop.
- The amount a player can bet depends on what kind of game it is. (Check out our page on betting structures)
- Much like most games of poker, players can call, raise, or fold.
- After the betting round ends, the dealer discards the top card of the deck. This is called a burn card. This is done to prevent cheating.
Source: Texas Holdem Poker
How to Play Texas Holdem - Part 2
- The dealer then flips the next three cards face up on the table. These cards are called the flop. These are communal cards that anyone can use in combination with their two pocket cards to form a poker hand.
- There is another round of betting starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
After the betting concludes, the dealer burns another card and flips one more onto the table. This is called the turn card. Players can use this sixth card now to form a five card poker hand. - The player to the left of the dealer begins another round of betting. In many types of games, this is where the bet size doubles.
- Finally, the dealer burns a card and places a final card face up on the table. This is called the river. Players can now use any of the five cards on the table or the two cards in their pocket to form a five card poker hand.
- There is one final round of betting starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
- After that, all of the players remaining in the game begin to reveal their hands. This begins with the player to the left of the last player to call. It's called the showdown. Players use a combination of their pocket cards and the community cards to form a poker hand. For more on that go to our page about forming a five card hand.
The player who shows the best hand wins! There are cases where players with equal hands share the winnings. Go to our page about split pots for more info about who wins.
Once you understand this basic structure of the game, you can play holdem and even some of the many holdem variants out there. Holdem is an easy game to learn, just difficult to master. The "mastering" part is the costly part, especially in the traditional setting of a casino poker room. Thankfully, you can practice all you want for free in online poker rooms. The only way to learn the game is to play. Check out PacificPoker to get a feel for the action. Play all you want for free, and start playing for real money as soon as you feel ready. They have both low limits for newer players as well as high stakes tables.
Source: Texas Holdem Poker
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
History of Texas Holdem Poker - Part 1
Never in the history of poker has it been as popular as it is right now. The most played poker game is definitely Texas Holdem. All over the world people are playing Texas Holdem games and there seems to be no end to the popularity of the game. Especially playing Texas Holdem for free on the internet has became extremely popular in the last couple of years.
Who actually invented this great poker game? Where did it originally come from? And how did free Texas Holdem games end up on the internet?
To answer these questions it is important to trace back the history of poker, to find out where it all began…
History of Poker Theories
There are many different theories about how poker came into this world and their seems to be no real proof of a forerunner of the game. Most theories agree that the game must have been created from several other games.
One of the best known explanations for the origin of Poker is the one that beliefs that Poker came from China around 900 A.D. The Chinese played this variant of poker not with cards (they weren't invented yet), but with dominoes. The Chinese Emperor Mu Tsung introduced a game called 'domino cards' in 969 A.D. which is believed to be the oldest form of poker. Another theory believes that poker was born in India, were the game supposedly comes from the Indian card game of Ganjifa. Ganjifa had 96 painted playing cards and they were used for several different betting games. A game from Germany called 'Pochspiel' is also believed to be a forerunner of the poker game of today. The rules and the name have some similarities with the game.
Still most people believe that Poker originates from France, from the French name 'Pogue'. This was a game, played in the 15th century, that was played with the card deck as we know it today. It was a card game that included bluffing and betting. The French colonials brought this game to Canada and then to the United States in the early 17th century, but the game didn't became a hit until the beginning of the 18th century in New Orleans. During the American Civil War, soldiers played the game 'Pogue' often to pass the time all, over the country.
History of Texas Holdem Poker - Part 2
Different versions evolved from this first 'Pogue' game and they were called 'Stud' and 'Draw'. The official name for the game turned into 'Poker ' in 1834 by a gambler named Jonathan H. Green. Green learned how to play card games in prison and after his release he went to the Mississippi River where most of those days gambling action took place. He became a professional card player and discovered the different versions of the 'Pogue' game. Green loved this new game and since he couldn't find a name in the dictionary for it, he decided to call it Poker.
History of Texas Holdem
Nobody really knows were Texas Hold em exactly comes from. The legend goes that the very first location were the game Texas Hold em was ever played in the now played version was in Robstown in Texas in 1900. The World Series of Poker Tournament made the Texas Hold em game really famous. The WSOP has been organized since 1970 at the Horseshoe in Las Vegas and ever since then the game Texas Hold em, which is played in that tournament, has been played by poker players all over the world.
Internet Texas Holdem
Thanks to modern technologies it is no longer necessary for people to travel to Las Vegas to get a piece of all the Texas Hold em poker action. Nowadays gambling is possible from people's own living room, for free, in internet casinos. Playing in internet casinos and online poker rooms is totally free. It's not quite clear what was the first free website was that started to feature Texas Hold em games, since all the Texas Hold em entered the internet around the same time as the start of the success of internet casinos, in the nineties of the twentieth century. Chris Moneymaker, WSOP champion in 2003 and Greg Raymer, winner of the WSOP 2004 main event were both qualified through free poker rooms on the internet.
Source: imaconlinepoker
Monday, September 11, 2006
Aggressive vs. Conservative
When you watch poker on television you often hear the commentators refer to someone as being aggressive. Well we all know what aggressive means in relative terms but what about at a poker table, what does aggressive mean?
Well basically who’s aggressive is someone who’s always the one being out there betting and really taking risks and the others who are conservative are the ones who are always waiting around looking for the good hands.
In the long run there are two approaches; conservative might let you stay in a tournament for a while but the only way to really get there is to be extremely aggressive. If you’re always on the offense you force everyone to react to what you’re doing and at the poker table that’s extremely valuable since more often than not nobody really has a great hand. If you’re always plugging away, pounding at the pots you’ll pick up ante after ante and watch your chips grow and grow all the way to the winners circle.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Top 10 Worst Starting Hands in Texas Hold'em
Sure, you know that a pair of aces are the best hand in Texas Hold'em, but do you know the worst starting hands? Knowing that these hands are almost-always-fold'em hands in hold'em is just as important to improving your poker game and not playing like a donkey.
Some of these "worst hands" are bad in the same way and will lose at about the same rate, so I've called them ties, even when one is a slightly better hand.
- 1) 2-7
7-2 off suit is considered the worst hand in Texas Hold'em. They are the lowest two cards you can have that cannot make a straight (there's 4 cards between 2 and 7). Even if they are suited, they will make you a very low flush, and if either pairs, it's an awfully low hand. Because it is the worst, some players will play it for fun and in online games, it is known as "the hammer." - 2) 2-8
This is the same basic problem as above, only you've got an 8 instead of a 7. Still pretty bad for a high card. Suited or not, this is a fold'em hold'em hand. - 3) Tie: 3-8 & 3-7
The 3 makes this hand able to beat the two above it, but with the 3-8 you still can't make a straight and the 3-7 still, well, just sucks. - 4) 2-6
While if the board gives you a miracle flop of 3-4-5, you will have a straight, someone with a 6-7 will have a higher straight. If you get a flush, someone will probably have a higher flush. Against even 4 players, this hand will lose about 90% of the time. Not good odds. - 5) Tie: 2-9, 3-9, & 4-9
The only thing these three hands have going for them over the hands above is the 9. If the 9 pairs, you'll have a middle pair that could still be beat by anyone holding pocket 10s, jacks, queens, kings, or aces, yet you might be fooled by a board filled with low cards into thinking you have the best hand and losing a lot of money. No straights can fill the gap between these cards, either. Beware. - 6) 2-10
This hand has a legendary quality because Doyle Brunson captured two World Series of Poker Bracelets with it. But it's not a good hand -- Doyle Brunson is one of the all-time best in the game and unless you're a Texas road gambler who's logged thousands of hours at the table, you shouldn't try and win with the Doyle Brunson. - 7) 5-9
Another hand people play because it's fun is the old 9 to 5, the "Dolly Parton." If you're playing to win, it's not a good idea to play hands because they have a funny name. That may be how you pick the winning horse in a race, but poker's a marathon, not a sprint, and over the long term there's no doubt this hand is a statistical loser. - 8) Tie: 4-7, 4-8, 5-8, 3-6...
All these hands will rarely win, especially unsuited. Toss 'em. Just toss'em. Yes, even in the little blind. If you see two low cards in the hole, unless you're in the big blind and you can see the flop for free, fold. - 9) Face card + low card, unsuited
One of the most common mistakes I see beginners make is that when they see any paint in their hand, they play it. J-2, Q-3, K-4 whatever -- and most of these hands are losers. They're junk that may win a few pots, but more often will lose you huge cash when you find the other player has a higher kicker and the winning hand. - 10) Ace + low card, unsuited
This is another common beginner mistake, playing any ace. Again, it may win occasionally, and heads-up it's a fine hand, but at a table of 4 or more, this hand shouldn't be played if there's a raise in front of you. You're going to be outkicked a lot with Ace-little, and it's going to feel like a kick in the junk when the other player shows their higher ace.
Top 10 Best Hold'em Poker Hands
Here's a quick guide to the ten best Texas Hold'em poker hands. If you start with any of these ten hands during Texas Hold'em, you are in excellent shape.
For a more detailed guide to which hands to hold and which to fold, read Texas Hold'em Starting Hand Selection.
For a more detailed guide to which hands to hold and which to fold, read Texas Hold'em Starting Hand Selection.
- 1) Ace-Ace
This is the best Hold'em poker hand you can hope to have. It's the best of the best, and will win more than any other hand. Also known as American Airlines, pocket rockets, and bullets. - 2) King-King
This 2nd-best hold'em hand is still incredibly strong and will win you a good chunk of change. Two kings, or "cowboys" are only dominated by aces. - 3) Queen-Queen
Two queens, or "ladies" are a very good hand. Sure, kings and aces will beat you, but you've got the upper hand on jacks and below. - 4) Ace-King
Ace-king is a strong but tricky hand. It is the strongest of the drawing hands, but the flop needs to work with you to give you a pair of aces or kings for it to really pay off. Suited it is slightly stronger than unsuited, as then you can also make the nut flush much more easily. - 5) Jack-Jack
A pair of jacks, ten-handed, will win almost 20% of the time. If the flop shows a queen, king, or ace, watch out, but otherwise, it's smooth sailing. - 6) Ace-Queen
Ace-queen is the second best drawing hand, and when suited, will win about 20% of the time as well. - 7) King-Queen
King-queen, especially suited, is a great drawing hand that is only afraid of an Ace falling on the board. - 8) Ace-Jack
Ace-jack is another great drawing hand. Suited is always better here, but unsuited is still playable. - 9) King-Jack
King-jack, especially in later positions, is a fine hand to play, but can be beat by any of the hands listed above and should be folded to big raises. Statistically, suited it will win just under 19% of the time, but unsuited that drops to just 15%. - 10) Ace-Ten
Ace-ten is still a good hand -- you've got the ace, and can make a straight if the miracle J-Q-K falls on the board. But be wary of playing it too strong, especially unsuited, as if all you end up with is a pair of aces, you may be out-kicked.
A New Texas Holdem Site is Born
Greetings,
Have you ever looked for a question about Texas Holdem and not found what you wanted?
When I first started playing Texas Holdem poker, I had a lot of questions too, and started researching the answers.
Now, after a long preparation and research period, I have just started a new site:
www.Texas-Holdem-FAQ.com,
aimed at beginners and intermediate players who look for fundamental answers to questions involved this fascinating game.Right now, the site has just started with a skeleton structure and some good content. But in the coming weeks, you will see a growth of useful information that I'll be uploading regularly.Check it out, and I hope you keep coming back for more.
Yours truly,
Jeff Rosales
Texas Holdem Player and Researcher
www.Texas-Holdem-FAQ.com
Have you ever looked for a question about Texas Holdem and not found what you wanted?
When I first started playing Texas Holdem poker, I had a lot of questions too, and started researching the answers.
Now, after a long preparation and research period, I have just started a new site:
www.Texas-Holdem-FAQ.com,
aimed at beginners and intermediate players who look for fundamental answers to questions involved this fascinating game.Right now, the site has just started with a skeleton structure and some good content. But in the coming weeks, you will see a growth of useful information that I'll be uploading regularly.Check it out, and I hope you keep coming back for more.
Yours truly,
Jeff Rosales
Texas Holdem Player and Researcher
www.Texas-Holdem-FAQ.com
Allen Cunningham- Last big name left in WSOP main event
If you didn't know him, you might miss him at the poker table.His soft-spoken and unassuming demeanor is contrary to his aggressive style of play. Allen Cunningham was born March 24, 1977, in Riverside, California. He started playing poker and winning in public cardrooms as soon as he hit legal gambling age. In his early 20s, he already was playing high-limit cash games and chalking up best all-around player honors at major tournaments.
He's now one of the youngest veterans on the professional poker circuit.Cunningham has 88 recorded cashes in major poker tournaments and has made an impressive 70 final tables, going heads up in 22 of them and winning 14.
He has three World Series of Poker bracelets and titles, in the 2005 $1,500 no-limit hold'em, the 2002 $5,000 deuce-to-seven draw, and the 2001 $5,000 stud events. Last year he finished fourth at the World Poker Finals at Foxwoods.
Cunningham is a representative of Full Tilt Poker.
Source: WAPT Online
Wanting a call from a draw
I have spoke to many an angry player that complains about being out drawn by a flush or straight when the opponent did not have the correct pot odds to call.....they should not be complaining....they should be happy.
Lets say you could see your opponents cards and knew that he was four to a flush with only the river to come. You have top pair (the winning hand) and the pot is $100. If you bet $50 then your opponent has to put in $50 to win $150, that is about 3:1 pot odds but the odds on him making his flush about 4:1. You know this, that is why you bet half the pot.Now comes the question, do you want him to call or fold? Of course you want him to call because of the bad pot odds being offered. One time in 5 he will invest $50 to win $150 (+$150), but 4 times in 5 he will invest a total of $200 and loose (-$200) therefore his bet has a net value of -$50.
So next time you give a player bad pot odds and you know he is drawing, be wishing that he calls you and does not fold..... but if he win the hand with the draw say "good call" so the next time he is in a similar situation with you and you give him bad pot odds he will call without hesitation.
Source: WAPT Online
Lets say you could see your opponents cards and knew that he was four to a flush with only the river to come. You have top pair (the winning hand) and the pot is $100. If you bet $50 then your opponent has to put in $50 to win $150, that is about 3:1 pot odds but the odds on him making his flush about 4:1. You know this, that is why you bet half the pot.Now comes the question, do you want him to call or fold? Of course you want him to call because of the bad pot odds being offered. One time in 5 he will invest $50 to win $150 (+$150), but 4 times in 5 he will invest a total of $200 and loose (-$200) therefore his bet has a net value of -$50.
So next time you give a player bad pot odds and you know he is drawing, be wishing that he calls you and does not fold..... but if he win the hand with the draw say "good call" so the next time he is in a similar situation with you and you give him bad pot odds he will call without hesitation.
Source: WAPT Online
Thursday, September 07, 2006
WA Poker League Championship Grand Final
After a mammoth weekend of Poker with the Western Australian Poker League Season 1 Grand Final, we're delighted to announce the winners of the event, and most importantly, our inaugural WA Poker League Grand Champion for Season 1, Robyn Ivankovich!
After beating a field of 235 of Western Australia's best Poker Players, Robyn walked away with a HUGE $17,695 prize, a WAPL Grand Champion Medallion worth $5000, a Silver Trophy, her name on our perpetual Grand Champion Silver Trophy Cup, and all the fame which goes with her new title! We'd love to congratulate Robyn, and welcome her as the first to join the elite group of players who can say they've beaten the best in the West!
Here is a listing of the 8 Final Table players, of the 24 who won cash prizes!
Robyn Ivankovich - $17,695 + WAPL Champion Medallion + Trophy
Giulio Della-Rocchetta - $9,210
Tony Regan - $6,140
Robert O'Shea - $3,990
Nicholas Gribble - $2,765
Michael Renko - $2,150
Lionel Marcos - $1,840
Troy Palmer - $1,535
Congratulations to our Top 8, they all did a magnificent job!
Event Results from the Grand Final will be online soon, so you can check where you came!
Congratulations also goes out to Ryan Bochorsky, who took out our 1st Pro League Season as Champion, just pipping Tony Tran in literally the last tournament to take the title, and the trophy!
Tony Aslani won the overall Free League Season, and also placed in the top 24 in the Grand Final, well done Tony, on being our 1st Free League Season Champion!
All our players who finished top of their Venues were awarded certificates to signify these achievements, and as we all know, there was a lot of competition for the winners of different venues, so well done to you all, too!
Last, but definitely not least, we'd like to give a HUGE THANKYOU and congratulations to everyone who was involved with running the Grand Final on Saturday. To all our wonderful staff on the floor during the day, you all looked great, and worked even better! To our lovely waitresses, those awesome bar staff and merchandise staff, and everyone who was involved behind the scenes, thanks, we very much appreciate your support!
Special thanks also must go to Buck from Budget Cabinets, for the huge effort he put into making the incredible piece of art which is the Final Table! It was a major disappointment for him and us to have a hard drive fail at the last minute, which meant we couldn't take footage from the cameras on the night, but the table worked a charm, looked fantastic, and we can only thank Buck for all his hard work to make it so!
Source: WA Poker League
After beating a field of 235 of Western Australia's best Poker Players, Robyn walked away with a HUGE $17,695 prize, a WAPL Grand Champion Medallion worth $5000, a Silver Trophy, her name on our perpetual Grand Champion Silver Trophy Cup, and all the fame which goes with her new title! We'd love to congratulate Robyn, and welcome her as the first to join the elite group of players who can say they've beaten the best in the West!
Here is a listing of the 8 Final Table players, of the 24 who won cash prizes!
Robyn Ivankovich - $17,695 + WAPL Champion Medallion + Trophy
Giulio Della-Rocchetta - $9,210
Tony Regan - $6,140
Robert O'Shea - $3,990
Nicholas Gribble - $2,765
Michael Renko - $2,150
Lionel Marcos - $1,840
Troy Palmer - $1,535
Congratulations to our Top 8, they all did a magnificent job!
Event Results from the Grand Final will be online soon, so you can check where you came!
Congratulations also goes out to Ryan Bochorsky, who took out our 1st Pro League Season as Champion, just pipping Tony Tran in literally the last tournament to take the title, and the trophy!
Tony Aslani won the overall Free League Season, and also placed in the top 24 in the Grand Final, well done Tony, on being our 1st Free League Season Champion!
All our players who finished top of their Venues were awarded certificates to signify these achievements, and as we all know, there was a lot of competition for the winners of different venues, so well done to you all, too!
Last, but definitely not least, we'd like to give a HUGE THANKYOU and congratulations to everyone who was involved with running the Grand Final on Saturday. To all our wonderful staff on the floor during the day, you all looked great, and worked even better! To our lovely waitresses, those awesome bar staff and merchandise staff, and everyone who was involved behind the scenes, thanks, we very much appreciate your support!
Special thanks also must go to Buck from Budget Cabinets, for the huge effort he put into making the incredible piece of art which is the Final Table! It was a major disappointment for him and us to have a hard drive fail at the last minute, which meant we couldn't take footage from the cameras on the night, but the table worked a charm, looked fantastic, and we can only thank Buck for all his hard work to make it so!
Source: WA Poker League
Understand Pot Odds and Their Value
You like your hand, but you don’t love it. It may not be the best one at the table, but depending upon what comes up on the river, it could certainly get there. There’s only one question on your mind--should you stay in or get out?
Answering that question is a key to successful poker and one of the tools that makes it possible to come up with a good answer an understanding of pot odds and how to use them.
Put simply, pot odds represent a ratio of the money already in the post relative to how much a player would need to bet in order to stay in the action. Let’s look at an example:
In a hypothetical hand of Hold ‘Em, there is $100 in the pot. In order for you to stay in the hand, a $10 bet is required. The ratio, or odds, are 100:10 or, simplified, 10:1. That example demonstrates exactly how to calculate pot odds. One simply compares the total in the pot to what it’s going to cost to see that next card.
That simple calculation, in a vacuum, may not mean a great deal. What difference does it really make if the pot odds are 2:1, 10:1, or 20:1? The answer to that question shows the difference between simply understand what pot odds are and how you can actually use them to your benefit.
Let’s return to our hypothetical table and play another hand. This time, you are one diamond away from a flush with the river on the way. You clearly don’t have the winning hand now, but you can be relatively certain you will have it if another diamond shows up. The pot contains around $240. It’s going to cost you $30 to see the river card. Is it worth it?
Well, by combining your understanding of poker odds with an ability to calculate pot odds, you can make a wise decision. Pot odds are 8:1 (240:30). So long as the odds of you pulling getting that last diamond are better than 8:1, the play makes sense. In this case, it would make perfect sense to shove that $30 into the pot and to hope you make your flush.
Other factors may influence your decision in various situations, but a firm grasp of pot odds and how to use them can add a profitable dimension to your game. Using pot odds can provide you with essential data to help answer the recurring question of whether or not you should stay in or get out.
Sources: Texas Hold 'Em King
Answering that question is a key to successful poker and one of the tools that makes it possible to come up with a good answer an understanding of pot odds and how to use them.
Put simply, pot odds represent a ratio of the money already in the post relative to how much a player would need to bet in order to stay in the action. Let’s look at an example:
In a hypothetical hand of Hold ‘Em, there is $100 in the pot. In order for you to stay in the hand, a $10 bet is required. The ratio, or odds, are 100:10 or, simplified, 10:1. That example demonstrates exactly how to calculate pot odds. One simply compares the total in the pot to what it’s going to cost to see that next card.
That simple calculation, in a vacuum, may not mean a great deal. What difference does it really make if the pot odds are 2:1, 10:1, or 20:1? The answer to that question shows the difference between simply understand what pot odds are and how you can actually use them to your benefit.
Let’s return to our hypothetical table and play another hand. This time, you are one diamond away from a flush with the river on the way. You clearly don’t have the winning hand now, but you can be relatively certain you will have it if another diamond shows up. The pot contains around $240. It’s going to cost you $30 to see the river card. Is it worth it?
Well, by combining your understanding of poker odds with an ability to calculate pot odds, you can make a wise decision. Pot odds are 8:1 (240:30). So long as the odds of you pulling getting that last diamond are better than 8:1, the play makes sense. In this case, it would make perfect sense to shove that $30 into the pot and to hope you make your flush.
Other factors may influence your decision in various situations, but a firm grasp of pot odds and how to use them can add a profitable dimension to your game. Using pot odds can provide you with essential data to help answer the recurring question of whether or not you should stay in or get out.
Sources: Texas Hold 'Em King
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Keys to Becoming a Better Poker Player Part 1
Lou Krieger provides some pointers on how to improve your game. Lou is the host of Royal Vegas Poker and author of numerous books on poker including The Poker Player's Bible and Hold'em Excellence.Do you want to become a better poker player? Read on. Here are six things you can take to heart, and every one of them will improve your game.
Know Your Numbers:
If you don’t learn, understand, and use poker’s mathematical parameters, you can’t expect to be a consistent winner in the long run. For example, if you’re playing hold’em and flop a four flush but don’t know what your chances are of making a flush, what will you do when it’s your turn to act? How will you ever know whether calling, raising, or folding is a play with a positive expectation? Finding positive expectations is the essence of winning poker, and it’s no more complex than recognizing those situations that will show a profit if they could be replayed time and again.
Since poker has a large element of short-term luck, it doesn’t matter whether any one effort is successful. What does matter is knowing when a positive expectation is associated with a given play, then making it. Imagine you’re faced with a $20 call into a $100 pot, but the odds against making your hand are only 3:1. That’s a positive expectation. Repeated 100 times, you’d expect to lose $20 on 75 of those occasions, for a loss of $1500, but on 25 occasions, you’ll win $100, for a total of $2500. Your net win of $1000 ($2500 - $1500) is what’s important — not whether you won or lost on any particular hand. Divide your $1000 win by the 100 times this situation occurred, and you’ll see that in the long run, each correct decision was worth $10 to you.
Applying mathematics, statistics, and probability to poker can be an incredibly involving subject, one that cannot be covered adequately in any one article. But if this article is able to merely raise your awareness about its importance, it will be successful.
Source: Internet Texas Hold Em
Keys to becoming a Better Poker Player Part 2
Know Your Opponents:
How many times have you made a strategic move that’s doomed to fail because you chose the wrong opponent? Ever run a bluff against a someone who’s a veritable calling station? It won’t work. We all know that, but far too often we do it in spite of our better judgment.
If mathematics was the only skill required for winning, the best players would all be mathematicians — and they’re not. Knowing your opponents is also critical. Observe their actions at the table. Analyze their decisions and the choices they make. Are they in every hand? Do they raise with hands that don’t warrant it? Are they rock-tight? You’ll find it fairly easy to get a read on most players within a half hour. The best time to do this is when you’re not in a hand. If you find yourself waiting for a game, watch your opponents-to-be, so you can adjust and temper your game strategies to their play before sitting down at the table.
Source: Internet Texas Hold Em
How many times have you made a strategic move that’s doomed to fail because you chose the wrong opponent? Ever run a bluff against a someone who’s a veritable calling station? It won’t work. We all know that, but far too often we do it in spite of our better judgment.
If mathematics was the only skill required for winning, the best players would all be mathematicians — and they’re not. Knowing your opponents is also critical. Observe their actions at the table. Analyze their decisions and the choices they make. Are they in every hand? Do they raise with hands that don’t warrant it? Are they rock-tight? You’ll find it fairly easy to get a read on most players within a half hour. The best time to do this is when you’re not in a hand. If you find yourself waiting for a game, watch your opponents-to-be, so you can adjust and temper your game strategies to their play before sitting down at the table.
Source: Internet Texas Hold Em
Keys to becomming a Better Poker Player Part 3
Keep Your Ego Out of the Game:
Never, never let your ego control your play. Someone put a bad-beat on you? So what! Never personalize it, even if he looks you right in the eye and laughs like a loon while he rakes in your chips. The minute you decide to “…get him,” you’re sure to miss other opportunities and probably squander some chips chasing him down. If the old adage, “Living well is the best revenge” holds true, then playing well — and walking away with a few racks of chips is a giant step in that direction.
Source: Internet Texas Hold Em
Never, never let your ego control your play. Someone put a bad-beat on you? So what! Never personalize it, even if he looks you right in the eye and laughs like a loon while he rakes in your chips. The minute you decide to “…get him,” you’re sure to miss other opportunities and probably squander some chips chasing him down. If the old adage, “Living well is the best revenge” holds true, then playing well — and walking away with a few racks of chips is a giant step in that direction.
Source: Internet Texas Hold Em
Keys to becomming a Better Poker Player Part 4
Keep Records — Even When It Hurts:
If you don’t keep records how will you know whether you’re winning or losing in the long run? Every player who fails to keep records deceives himself. Most players, when asked, will say they’re life-long winners. But we both know that’s not true. The next time someone tells you he’s a life-long winner, ask about his records. If he doesn’t assiduously record wins and losses, he’s seeing only what he wants to — and more often than not, it’s an illusion.
While few things are more painful than recording a big loss in your notebook, records are critical, since the human mind is blessed with an endless capacity for self-deception.
Choose the Best Game:
Much as we’d like to believe otherwise, the truth is this: Most of our winnings come from opponents’ stupidity, not the excellence of our play. Choose the game with the weakest opponents. A game full of weak players who call too often but are reluctant to raise with strong hands will do fine. After all, if you can’t beat players who call too much, who can you beat?
Commit to Excellence:
Want to be a great poker player? Commit to greatness. Declare your excellence tonight, starting with the next hand you play. Visualize yourself as the greatest poker player ever — and act accordingly. It does not take long to make changes. It takes forever to maintain change, but changes of the most dramatic, fundamental and far-reaching sorts, can be had instantly and made today.
You can reach excellence in a heartbeat, and you can do it today. If you want to be a winning, excellent player, go ahead and do it. It takes no time at all to achieve change, but it will take forever to maintain it. It’s that simple.
Online Poker
Presenting our online poker recommendations. Not sure which online poker rooms to try? Here we present a list of our recommended online poker rooms. Take a look at our high stakes poker page if you are looking for online poker rooms with high stakes poker games and tournaments. Also, remember to visit our poker download page where you can directly download free poker software and poker games.
- Party Poker
- Pacific Poker
- True Poker
- InterCasino Poker
- Empire Poker
- Planet Poker
- Poker Stars
- PokerRoom
- Absolute Poker
- Ultimate Bet
Source: Gambling Poker
History of the World Series of Poker
As legend has it, the idea for the World Series of Poker has its genesis in a 1949 high-stakes poker tournament between Nicholas 'Nick the Greek' Dandolos and Johnny Moss which was arranged by Benny Binion. The tournament was held before a public audience and lasted five months. Dandolos and Moss went back and forth playing a variety of poker games. Ultimately Moss won all the money (an estimated $2 million).
In 1970, Benny Binion took this idea a step further and held another poker tournament, called it the World Series of Poker, and invited many of the top poker players of the day. The poker tournament champion was decided by a popular vote and Johnny Moss prevailed again.
The next year, 1971, the World Series of Poker was changed to an elimination format. The player left standing at the end with all of the chips was Johnny Moss, again World Champion. In 1972, Thomas 'Amarillo Slim' Preston won the tournament.
Since then, the World Series of Poker has had its share of drama and excitement. In a story that should give every poker player hope, Jack Strauss came back to win one year after having lost all but one chip of his stake early in the poker tournament. Proving that it is never too late to be great again, Stu Ungar picked up his third win after spending 17 years mostly out of competition.
One of the leading money winners in the World Series of Poker has been T. J. Cloutier. Over the years, he has finished in the money in over 30 WSOP poker game events. He has also won five first place WSOP gold bracelets in various events. In the main Championship event of Texas Hold'em, he has finished twice in second-place, and once each in third place and fifth place.
Billy Baxter, one of the other big names in poker, dominated the deuce-to-seven draw poker WSOP tournament for many years, with five first place finishes and two second place finishes.
Many other household poker names have graced the World Series of Poker over the years. Names such as Mickey Appleman, Bobby Baldwin, Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Johnny Moss, and "Amarillo Slim" Preston.
Source: Gambling Poker
In 1970, Benny Binion took this idea a step further and held another poker tournament, called it the World Series of Poker, and invited many of the top poker players of the day. The poker tournament champion was decided by a popular vote and Johnny Moss prevailed again.
The next year, 1971, the World Series of Poker was changed to an elimination format. The player left standing at the end with all of the chips was Johnny Moss, again World Champion. In 1972, Thomas 'Amarillo Slim' Preston won the tournament.
Since then, the World Series of Poker has had its share of drama and excitement. In a story that should give every poker player hope, Jack Strauss came back to win one year after having lost all but one chip of his stake early in the poker tournament. Proving that it is never too late to be great again, Stu Ungar picked up his third win after spending 17 years mostly out of competition.
One of the leading money winners in the World Series of Poker has been T. J. Cloutier. Over the years, he has finished in the money in over 30 WSOP poker game events. He has also won five first place WSOP gold bracelets in various events. In the main Championship event of Texas Hold'em, he has finished twice in second-place, and once each in third place and fifth place.
Billy Baxter, one of the other big names in poker, dominated the deuce-to-seven draw poker WSOP tournament for many years, with five first place finishes and two second place finishes.
Many other household poker names have graced the World Series of Poker over the years. Names such as Mickey Appleman, Bobby Baldwin, Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Johnny Moss, and "Amarillo Slim" Preston.
Source: Gambling Poker
World Series of Poker
The World Series of Poker is one of the most prestigious poker tournaments in the world. First played in 1970, the World Series of Poker has grown in popularity ever since. In 2004, the final Championship WSOP event, no limit Texas Hold'em, had 2,576 entries and a record setting first place prize of $5 million.
The 2005 World Series of Poker will be the 36th annual World Series of Poker tournament. Over 6,000 poker players are expected to participate in the WSOP Championship tournament (for a complete WSOP schedule, see World Series Poker Schedule). The total prize pool for the WSOP Championship will likely exceed $60 million, with an estimated first place prize over $8 million.
The venue for the World Series of Poker is changing. The WSOP tournaments have always taken place at Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harrah's has taken over the World Series of Poker and will be holding the WSOP tournaments at the Rio Las Vegas (although the final two days of the Championship tournament will be held at Binion's for 2005).
The World Series of Poker draws many of the top poker pros, but it is not their exclusive domain. Players come from all walks of life and most of the poker players are amateurs. The 2004 World Series of Poker saw many of those amateurs beating the pros. The winner of the WSOP championship event was a patent attorney by the name of Greg “Fossilman” Raymer. The players are also getting younger. More than a few 2004 WSOP tournaments were won by players in their twenties. You can see all of the 2004 World Series of Poker stories and results at 2004 World Series of Poker.
The World Series of Poker actually consists of a number of poker tournaments of various poker games including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, and Stud Poker. There are also Lowball and Hi-Low split poker games. The 2005 World Series of Poker has 45 individual poker tournaments which begin on June 2 and end with the final day of the World Championship Event on July 15.
The winner of each World Series of Poker tournament event is awarded a gold bracelet (which many players value more than the cash prize). The cash prizes are substantial typically ranging in the low to mid six figures with the first place prize for last year's Championship event setting a new record at $5 million. Poker tournament buy-ins generally range from $1,000 to $5,000 with the Championship tournament having a buy-in of $10,000. Players can also get into the Championship tournament by winning World Series of Poker satellite tournaments.
Harrahs has also started the World Series of Poker Tournament Circuit. The circuit is comprised of various poker tournaments to be held at different Harrahs casino properties nationwide. Poker tournament players will earn points toward an invitation to the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions which will be held shortly after the conclusion of the regular WSOP tournaments.
Many of the World Series of Poker tournament final tables are taped and televised by ESPN. At the 2004 WSOP, ESPN taped thirteen tournaments to create 22 one hour shows. For more about the ESPN World Series of Poker television shows see WSOP ESPN Poker.
Source: Gambling Poker
The 2005 World Series of Poker will be the 36th annual World Series of Poker tournament. Over 6,000 poker players are expected to participate in the WSOP Championship tournament (for a complete WSOP schedule, see World Series Poker Schedule). The total prize pool for the WSOP Championship will likely exceed $60 million, with an estimated first place prize over $8 million.
The venue for the World Series of Poker is changing. The WSOP tournaments have always taken place at Binion's Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harrah's has taken over the World Series of Poker and will be holding the WSOP tournaments at the Rio Las Vegas (although the final two days of the Championship tournament will be held at Binion's for 2005).
The World Series of Poker draws many of the top poker pros, but it is not their exclusive domain. Players come from all walks of life and most of the poker players are amateurs. The 2004 World Series of Poker saw many of those amateurs beating the pros. The winner of the WSOP championship event was a patent attorney by the name of Greg “Fossilman” Raymer. The players are also getting younger. More than a few 2004 WSOP tournaments were won by players in their twenties. You can see all of the 2004 World Series of Poker stories and results at 2004 World Series of Poker.
The World Series of Poker actually consists of a number of poker tournaments of various poker games including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, and Stud Poker. There are also Lowball and Hi-Low split poker games. The 2005 World Series of Poker has 45 individual poker tournaments which begin on June 2 and end with the final day of the World Championship Event on July 15.
The winner of each World Series of Poker tournament event is awarded a gold bracelet (which many players value more than the cash prize). The cash prizes are substantial typically ranging in the low to mid six figures with the first place prize for last year's Championship event setting a new record at $5 million. Poker tournament buy-ins generally range from $1,000 to $5,000 with the Championship tournament having a buy-in of $10,000. Players can also get into the Championship tournament by winning World Series of Poker satellite tournaments.
Harrahs has also started the World Series of Poker Tournament Circuit. The circuit is comprised of various poker tournaments to be held at different Harrahs casino properties nationwide. Poker tournament players will earn points toward an invitation to the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions which will be held shortly after the conclusion of the regular WSOP tournaments.
Many of the World Series of Poker tournament final tables are taped and televised by ESPN. At the 2004 WSOP, ESPN taped thirteen tournaments to create 22 one hour shows. For more about the ESPN World Series of Poker television shows see WSOP ESPN Poker.
Source: Gambling Poker
The Basics of Poker Betting
Poker is a game of chance. However, when you introduce the concept of betting, poker games gain quite a bit of skill and psychology.
So, how do you bet in poker? Here we will review some of the basic poker bets. In conjunction with this discussion, take a look at the basic poker odds and probabilities for hands. Review the basics of poker hands as needed.
Poker Bets
In most games, you must ante something (the amount varies by game), just to get dealt cards. After the ante, the players will begin to bet into the pot in the middle. At the end, the highest poker hand (that hasn't folded) wins the pot. Basically, when betting gets to you (betting is typically done in clockwise order), you have one of four choices:
Bet - If you are the first player to bet, you would bet an amount within the betting limits of that particular poker game. This amount goes into the pot.
Call - When you call, you bet enough to match the total amount of what has been bet. For example, if a player bet a quarter, you would call and put a quarter into the pot. If another player raised your bet, you would put an amount equal to the raise into the pot (if you bet twenty five cents, and another player then bet seventy five cents, you would owe fifty cents).
Raise - When you raise, you first bet enough to match what has already been bet by another player (as in calling), then you 'raise' the bet another amount (the amount is up to you, but there is typically a limit to raises.) For example, if a player bet twenty five cents, you might call the twenty five cents and raise another fifty cents - for a total bet of seventy five cents.
Fold - When you fold, you drop out of the current hand. You lose any possibility of winning the pot, but you do not have to put any more money into the pot.
Limit / Pot Limit / No Limit
The maximum bets and raises allowed, and the structure of poker betting, is determined by the game designation as follows:
Fixed Limit poker games are games where the betting limits are structured by round. For example $10/$20 indicates that the initial bets and raises are $10, and the later bets and raises are $20.
In Pot Limit poker games, the maximum amount players can raise or bet is equal to the size of the pot.
In No Limit poker games, there is simply no structure or maximum limit on the bet or raise (except to the extent that you are limited to betting the amount of chips you have on the table).
Determining when and how much to bet is a large part of the skill and strategy of poker. To make poker betting determinations, you need to understand the odds of getting a particular poker hand. So what exactly are the odds of getting various hands? Take a look at our page on poker odds.
Rank of Poker Hands
Poker hands are ranked as follows (from high to low):
go to poker odds for the probabilities of getting a particular poker hand.
go to poker odds for the probabilities of getting a particular poker hand.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Standard Draw Poker
This game is played as described in Draw Poker, and the player who makes the first bet does not need any minimum hand in order to bet. In other words, he can open the betting without even a pair. Once the betting round is complete and players have drawn their cards, the second betting round begins and the first hand again has the opportunity to bet.
Some players vary this game slightly by playing a "blind opening", whereby the first hand must open the pot and (usually) the next player must raise. This game is played "pass and out" (described in Draw Poker) before the draw, but usually "pass and back in" after the draw. This is the form of Poker played in private clubs when Draw Poker is selected instead of Stud. A variant of the blind opening is English or Australian Poker, in which a player who raises can double the preceding bet. (Raising in this game is often called "doubling".)
Source: US Playingcard.com
Some players vary this game slightly by playing a "blind opening", whereby the first hand must open the pot and (usually) the next player must raise. This game is played "pass and out" (described in Draw Poker) before the draw, but usually "pass and back in" after the draw. This is the form of Poker played in private clubs when Draw Poker is selected instead of Stud. A variant of the blind opening is English or Australian Poker, in which a player who raises can double the preceding bet. (Raising in this game is often called "doubling".)
Source: US Playingcard.com
Knowing When to Bet
The ranking of Poker hands is based on mathematics. The less likely a player is to get a certain hand, the higher it ranks and the more likely it is to win the pot. For example, a player should not expect to be dealt a straight flush more than once in 65,000 hands, but he can expect to be dealt two pair about once in every 21 hands.
Unless a player is planning to bluff, he should not make a bet without holding a hand that he thinks may be the best. No Poker player can bet intelligently unless he knows what constitutes a good hand, a fair hand, and a bad hand. A table of the various Poker hands and the number of combinations of each in a pack of cards is provided.
Source: US Playingcard.com
Unless a player is planning to bluff, he should not make a bet without holding a hand that he thinks may be the best. No Poker player can bet intelligently unless he knows what constitutes a good hand, a fair hand, and a bad hand. A table of the various Poker hands and the number of combinations of each in a pack of cards is provided.
Source: US Playingcard.com
Draw Poker - The Rules
Principal Forms.
There are several methods of playing Draw Poker, and they differ mostly in the rules governing betting. The essential features of the game, common to all varieties, are as follows:
Each player is dealt five cards face down, one at a time in rotation, beginning on the dealer's left. After the deal, there is a betting interval. The player on the dealer's left has the first right or obligation to bet.
When the first betting interval has ended, each active player in turn, beginning with the player on the dealer's left, may discard one or more cards, and the dealer then gives him, from the top of the undealt portion of the pack, face down, as many cards as he discarded. This is the draw. A player may, if desired, "stand pat" (draw no cards). Unless otherwise stated, the maximum number of cards a player may draw is three or, if the player shows an ace to all the other players, he may draw four. (In some games, especially in casinos, a player may draw four cards without exposing an ace, or may draw five cards - a fresh hand.) Note that, unlike some other card games, the player must always discard before taking any new cards for his draw.
After the draw, there is another betting interval, followed by a showdown.
All games of Draw Poker fall into one of two classes, depending on the betting rules:
Pass and Out.
Also called Pass Out or Bet or Drop. In this method, whenever it is a player's turn, and if there has been no bet before him, he must bet the minimum allowed or drop out. In most games, this rule applies only before the draw. After the draw, a player may check. In some games, however, each player must bet or drop out before and after the draw. This procedure is followed in casinos where the House runs the game.
Pass and Back In.
At his first turn, a player may pass (check) rather than bet, provided no previous player has made a bet. The first player to make a bet is said to open. Once the pot is opened, each player in turn has another chance to stay in or drop out. After the draw, a player may check. This procedure is common in home games and other social games.
Source: US Playingcard.com
There are several methods of playing Draw Poker, and they differ mostly in the rules governing betting. The essential features of the game, common to all varieties, are as follows:
Each player is dealt five cards face down, one at a time in rotation, beginning on the dealer's left. After the deal, there is a betting interval. The player on the dealer's left has the first right or obligation to bet.
When the first betting interval has ended, each active player in turn, beginning with the player on the dealer's left, may discard one or more cards, and the dealer then gives him, from the top of the undealt portion of the pack, face down, as many cards as he discarded. This is the draw. A player may, if desired, "stand pat" (draw no cards). Unless otherwise stated, the maximum number of cards a player may draw is three or, if the player shows an ace to all the other players, he may draw four. (In some games, especially in casinos, a player may draw four cards without exposing an ace, or may draw five cards - a fresh hand.) Note that, unlike some other card games, the player must always discard before taking any new cards for his draw.
After the draw, there is another betting interval, followed by a showdown.
All games of Draw Poker fall into one of two classes, depending on the betting rules:
Pass and Out.
Also called Pass Out or Bet or Drop. In this method, whenever it is a player's turn, and if there has been no bet before him, he must bet the minimum allowed or drop out. In most games, this rule applies only before the draw. After the draw, a player may check. In some games, however, each player must bet or drop out before and after the draw. This procedure is followed in casinos where the House runs the game.
Pass and Back In.
At his first turn, a player may pass (check) rather than bet, provided no previous player has made a bet. The first player to make a bet is said to open. Once the pot is opened, each player in turn has another chance to stay in or drop out. After the draw, a player may check. This procedure is common in home games and other social games.
Source: US Playingcard.com
Stud and Five-Card Poker
Stud Poker
In Stud Poker, each player is dealt one or more hole cards, face down. The remainder of his cards are dealt face up. The two most popular standard Stud Poker games are Five-Card Stud and Seven-Card Stud. After each player is dealt at least one card face up (upcard), and after each subsequent deal, there is a betting interval before dealing is resumed. Stud Poker has cut into the popularity of Draw Poker because there are more betting rounds (and thus, bigger pots), and there is a fascination about seeing some of the opponents' cards and trying to fathom what the hole card or cards may be.
Five-Card Stud
Two to ten people may play, though the game is best for five to eight players. There is no ante in some Five-Card Stud games, but the players agree in advance on the minimum that must be bet.
The dealer gives each player one card face down, and then each one card face up. The player with the highest upcard makes the first bet of at least the agreed-on minimum. In any later betting interval, the first bettor and players after him may check, unless and until a bet is made.
The first bettor in each betting interval is the player with the highest card or the highest Poker combination showing. If two or more players are tied for highest, the one nearest the dealer's left is the first bettor.
Following the first betting interval, the dealer gives another card face up to each active player in rotation; there is another betting interval, another round of face-up cards to the remaining active players, another betting interval, and then a final round of face-up cards and a final betting interval. Thus, each active player who is still in the game at the last round will have one card face down and four cards face up.
If two or more players remain after the final betting interval, there is a showdown in which each player turns up his hole card. If a bet or raise goes uncalled in any betting interval by all the other remaining players, the pot is taken by the bettor.
A player who drops must immediately turn all of his cards face down.
It is the dealer's duty, after each round of cards is dealt, to designate the first bettor (as by saying, "First king bets," or "Pair of sixes bets"). Also, after the third and fourth face-up cards are dealt, the dealer should indicate holdings that may become straights or flushes, as by saying "Possible straight" or "Possible flush." A possible straight or flush in no way determines the first bettor, however, except that in some games players agree that a fourflush will beat a pair in the showdown, and in these games a fourflush showing in the final betting interval bets first against a pair showing.
In a very large game, if there are not enough cards left in the pack for a final round of dealing, the dealer may flash a card from the top of the pack (turn it face up on the table), and this card serves as the common fifth card for all the hands.
Source: US Playingcard.com
In Stud Poker, each player is dealt one or more hole cards, face down. The remainder of his cards are dealt face up. The two most popular standard Stud Poker games are Five-Card Stud and Seven-Card Stud. After each player is dealt at least one card face up (upcard), and after each subsequent deal, there is a betting interval before dealing is resumed. Stud Poker has cut into the popularity of Draw Poker because there are more betting rounds (and thus, bigger pots), and there is a fascination about seeing some of the opponents' cards and trying to fathom what the hole card or cards may be.
Five-Card Stud
Two to ten people may play, though the game is best for five to eight players. There is no ante in some Five-Card Stud games, but the players agree in advance on the minimum that must be bet.
The dealer gives each player one card face down, and then each one card face up. The player with the highest upcard makes the first bet of at least the agreed-on minimum. In any later betting interval, the first bettor and players after him may check, unless and until a bet is made.
The first bettor in each betting interval is the player with the highest card or the highest Poker combination showing. If two or more players are tied for highest, the one nearest the dealer's left is the first bettor.
Following the first betting interval, the dealer gives another card face up to each active player in rotation; there is another betting interval, another round of face-up cards to the remaining active players, another betting interval, and then a final round of face-up cards and a final betting interval. Thus, each active player who is still in the game at the last round will have one card face down and four cards face up.
If two or more players remain after the final betting interval, there is a showdown in which each player turns up his hole card. If a bet or raise goes uncalled in any betting interval by all the other remaining players, the pot is taken by the bettor.
A player who drops must immediately turn all of his cards face down.
It is the dealer's duty, after each round of cards is dealt, to designate the first bettor (as by saying, "First king bets," or "Pair of sixes bets"). Also, after the third and fourth face-up cards are dealt, the dealer should indicate holdings that may become straights or flushes, as by saying "Possible straight" or "Possible flush." A possible straight or flush in no way determines the first bettor, however, except that in some games players agree that a fourflush will beat a pair in the showdown, and in these games a fourflush showing in the final betting interval bets first against a pair showing.
In a very large game, if there are not enough cards left in the pack for a final round of dealing, the dealer may flash a card from the top of the pack (turn it face up on the table), and this card serves as the common fifth card for all the hands.
Source: US Playingcard.com
Poker Origins
As early as the sixteenth century, Germans played a bluffing game which they called "Pochen." It later developed into a French version, called "Poque," which was eventually brought over to New Orleans and played on the riverboats that plied the Mississippi.
In the 1830s, the game was refined further and became known as Poker. During the Civil War, the key rule about drawing cards to improve one's hand was added. A variation - Stud Poker - appeared at about the same time.
Today, Poker is truly an international game, enjoyed in virtually every country where card games are played. There are hundreds of versions of Poker, and the game is played not only in private homes, but also in countless Poker rooms at famous casinos. Poker can be played socially for pennies or matchsticks, or professionally for thousands of dollars. There is plenty of luck in Poker, but the game requires incredibly great skill as well, and each player is the master of his own fate.
As with Backgammon and Gin Rummy, the luck-to-skill ratio is hard to quantify, but with games such as these, a novice can win in a short session; however, over the course of playing for many hours, the better player will invariably prevail. Herbert O. Yardley, who wrote the classic book The Education of a Poker Player in 1957, said that he never lost at more than three consecutive sessions. Indeed, if a player constantly loses in more sessions than he wins, then such a player is not just unlucky; he is simply being outplayed. With the exception of Bridge, Poker demands more skill than any other card game. Some people would debate even this statement and say that Poker stands at the very apex of card games requiring skill.
Source: US Playingcard.com
Poker Hands
While Poker is played in innumerable forms, a player who understands the values of the Poker hands and the principles of betting can play without difficulty in any type of Poker game. Except in a few versions of the game, a Poker hand consists of five cards. The various combinations of Poker hands rank from five of a kind (the highest) to no pair or nothing (the lowest):
Five of a Kind.
This is the highest possible hand and can occur only in games where at least one card is wild, such as a joker, the two one-eyed jacks, or the four deuces. Examples of five of a kind would be four 10s and a wild card or two queens and three wild cards.
Straight Flush.
This is the highest possible hand when only the standard pack is used, and there are no wild cards. A straight flush consists of five cards of the same suit in sequence, such as 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 of hearts. The highest-ranking straight flush is the A, K, Q, J, and 10 of one suit, and this combination has a special name: a royal flush or a royal straight flush. The odds on being dealt this hand are 1 in almost 650,000.
Four of a Kind.
This is the next highest hand, and it ranks just below a straight flush. An example is four aces or four 3s. It does not matter what the fifth, unmatched card is.
Full House.
This colorful hand is made up of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank, such as three 8s and two 4s, or three aces and two 6s.
Flush.
Five cards all of the same suit, but not all in sequence, is a flush. An example is Q, 10, 7, 6, and 2 of clubs.
Straight.
Five cards in sequence, but not all of the same suit is a straight. An example is 9, 8, 7, 6, 5.
Three of a Kind.
This combination contains three cards of the same rank, and the other two cards each of a different rank, such as three jacks, a seven, and a four.
Two Pairs.
This hand contains a pair of one rank and another pair of a different rank, plus any fifth card of a different rank, such as Q, Q, 7, 7, 4.
One Pair.
This frequent combination contains just one pair with the other three cards being of different rank. An example is 10, 10, K, 4, 3.
No Pair.
This very common hand contains "nothing." None of the five cards pair up, nor are all five cards of the same suit or consecutive in rank. When more than one player has no pair, the hands are rated by the highest card each hand contains, so that an ace-high hand beats a king-high hand, and so on.
Two hands that are identical, card for card, are tied since the suits have no relative rank in Poker. In such a case, the tied players split the pot. Note that if two hands contain the same high pair, then the ranking of the next card in the hands determines which one wins. For example: 9, 9, 7, 4, 2 beats 9, 9, 5, 3, 2. Likewise, two hands that have identical pairs would be decided by the fifth card. For example: Q, Q, 6, 6, J beats Q, Q, 6, 6, 10.
Source: US Playing Card.com
Five of a Kind.
This is the highest possible hand and can occur only in games where at least one card is wild, such as a joker, the two one-eyed jacks, or the four deuces. Examples of five of a kind would be four 10s and a wild card or two queens and three wild cards.
Straight Flush.
This is the highest possible hand when only the standard pack is used, and there are no wild cards. A straight flush consists of five cards of the same suit in sequence, such as 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 of hearts. The highest-ranking straight flush is the A, K, Q, J, and 10 of one suit, and this combination has a special name: a royal flush or a royal straight flush. The odds on being dealt this hand are 1 in almost 650,000.
Four of a Kind.
This is the next highest hand, and it ranks just below a straight flush. An example is four aces or four 3s. It does not matter what the fifth, unmatched card is.
Full House.
This colorful hand is made up of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank, such as three 8s and two 4s, or three aces and two 6s.
Flush.
Five cards all of the same suit, but not all in sequence, is a flush. An example is Q, 10, 7, 6, and 2 of clubs.
Straight.
Five cards in sequence, but not all of the same suit is a straight. An example is 9, 8, 7, 6, 5.
Three of a Kind.
This combination contains three cards of the same rank, and the other two cards each of a different rank, such as three jacks, a seven, and a four.
Two Pairs.
This hand contains a pair of one rank and another pair of a different rank, plus any fifth card of a different rank, such as Q, Q, 7, 7, 4.
One Pair.
This frequent combination contains just one pair with the other three cards being of different rank. An example is 10, 10, K, 4, 3.
No Pair.
This very common hand contains "nothing." None of the five cards pair up, nor are all five cards of the same suit or consecutive in rank. When more than one player has no pair, the hands are rated by the highest card each hand contains, so that an ace-high hand beats a king-high hand, and so on.
Two hands that are identical, card for card, are tied since the suits have no relative rank in Poker. In such a case, the tied players split the pot. Note that if two hands contain the same high pair, then the ranking of the next card in the hands determines which one wins. For example: 9, 9, 7, 4, 2 beats 9, 9, 5, 3, 2. Likewise, two hands that have identical pairs would be decided by the fifth card. For example: Q, Q, 6, 6, J beats Q, Q, 6, 6, 10.
Source: US Playing Card.com
Texas Hold'em Poker Basics
If you're just getting bitten by the poker bug, starting a home poker game, or want to better understand the poker game shown on all those poker TV shows: Texas Hold'em, check out these helpful resources that will get you ready to shuffle up and deal yourself into the action:
Poker History - Origins of Poker: Part Three
Poker initially was played with one round of betting. Players were dealt five cards face down and there was no draw of cards. Professional gamblers later modified the rules in order to enhance the profitability of the game for them. After 1850, wild cards and bluffing became common practices in the game. The draw was also added. The addition of the draw helped professionals because it introduced another round of betting (meaning another opportunity to cheat their opponents) as well as introducing more skill to the game.
Poker playing became increasingly popular as American gambling shifted from the frontier towns to the riverboats. While gambling was tolerated on the Southwestern frontier during the early 1800's, it came out of favor by the 1830's. The Western, frontier culture of these towns was steadily replaced by Southern culture, which was more averse to gambling. Western towns passed ordinances against gambling and many towns kicked out known gamblers. Some gamblers were tarred and feathered and there were even instances where vigilante groups lynched gamblers. Since their trade was no longer tolerated on land, professional gamblers took their trade to the many steamboats navigating the Mississippi River. However, carrying heavy equipment like a roulette wheel proved more difficult aboard the steamboats, so card games like poker became an increasingly popular game of choice for gamblers.
The California gold rush introduced a new venue for poker playing. The gold rush resulted in a large influx of men traveling to a new area, seeking to strike it rich. Unsurprisingly, gambling houses sprouted in Northern California, offering an array of gambling and entertainment opportunities for young men. Casinos employed musicians and pretty women (not necessarily prostitutes) to entertain gamblers as they played games such as roulette, faro, and blackjack. During the early gold rush period, poker was not popular at all in California. This is because gamblers preferred games with more fast paced action.
Poker, especially the traditional five card stud or draw, is fairly slow. Gamblers cannot constantly double or lose all of their money in a single bet like they can in roulette. However, poker would eventually become a California pastime. As people became more settled in California and the gold rush ended, their desire for fast action games like faro diminished, and they had a renewed interest in slower games like poker.
Poker's growth during the 1800's was largely the result of the increase in gambling along the American frontier. Nevertheless, it managed to establish itself as a unique gambling game, with characteristics notably different from the other frontier gambling games.
Source: pokertips.org
Poker playing became increasingly popular as American gambling shifted from the frontier towns to the riverboats. While gambling was tolerated on the Southwestern frontier during the early 1800's, it came out of favor by the 1830's. The Western, frontier culture of these towns was steadily replaced by Southern culture, which was more averse to gambling. Western towns passed ordinances against gambling and many towns kicked out known gamblers. Some gamblers were tarred and feathered and there were even instances where vigilante groups lynched gamblers. Since their trade was no longer tolerated on land, professional gamblers took their trade to the many steamboats navigating the Mississippi River. However, carrying heavy equipment like a roulette wheel proved more difficult aboard the steamboats, so card games like poker became an increasingly popular game of choice for gamblers.
The California gold rush introduced a new venue for poker playing. The gold rush resulted in a large influx of men traveling to a new area, seeking to strike it rich. Unsurprisingly, gambling houses sprouted in Northern California, offering an array of gambling and entertainment opportunities for young men. Casinos employed musicians and pretty women (not necessarily prostitutes) to entertain gamblers as they played games such as roulette, faro, and blackjack. During the early gold rush period, poker was not popular at all in California. This is because gamblers preferred games with more fast paced action.
Poker, especially the traditional five card stud or draw, is fairly slow. Gamblers cannot constantly double or lose all of their money in a single bet like they can in roulette. However, poker would eventually become a California pastime. As people became more settled in California and the gold rush ended, their desire for fast action games like faro diminished, and they had a renewed interest in slower games like poker.
Poker's growth during the 1800's was largely the result of the increase in gambling along the American frontier. Nevertheless, it managed to establish itself as a unique gambling game, with characteristics notably different from the other frontier gambling games.
Source: pokertips.org
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