Poker Rules: How to Play and Win

Yes, it is a card game which almost all of us have heard about. And yet, few people actually know the depth and nature of poker. Maybe that is a shame! For then you delve even lightly into the basics of its mechanics and rules, you start to realize that these bets, chips, and decks as a whole form something so much more — a genuine war of minds! In poker, all action can be compared to a chess move, and any bet is a challenge to your patience, persistence, and people skills.

It is not a game where luck alone reigns. Within the complex music of risk, mathematics, and strategic play, there exists the means to win for each player. Some rely on aggressive strategy, while others have confidence in the power of level-headedness. All players are however agreed upon one thing — psychology and the ability to read the actions of opponents are key to poker. Whether you play in the house or you go online to iPad poker sites, understanding the actions of your opponents and keeping a poker face even in defeat can cut you ahead when the strength of your cards is not enough.

Due to television broadcasts of big events such as the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the game is now accessible to millions worldwide. Most of them dream of turning professional based on the fortunes of their heroes. And it's not surprising: top professionals don't just get paid – they gain popularity, respect, and admiration among gamers as well.

In this article, we'll cover basics of poker — starting with the most frequent hand combinations that form the foundation of the game and going on to beginner advice to keep you from committing most common errors. We'll cover the game's rules, bet types, and table position. You'll learn the psychological aspects of the game, such as reading opponents and bluffing effectively. And finally, we'll provide you with tips from experienced players. So grab your drink of choice and sit back!

Poker Hands: Weakest to Strongest

There's no doubt that learning and familiarizing yourself with poker hand rankings is the secret to success. Every hand is given a varying weight, and being able to utilize them can give you a massive advantage. Let's take them from weakest to strongest:

High Card — Five cards with no connection to one another in regard to suit or value. It is the worst hand a player can have.
Pair — Two of a kind, e.g., two sixes, with three cards that are not connected in any way. It's not a strong hand, but can be built upon with more sophisticated play.
Two Pairs — Two pair, such as two eights and two threes. It makes you stronger than your opponents.
Three of a Kind — Three cards with the same rank, such as three jacks. It is not guaranteed but is highly competitive.
Straight — Five cards in consecutive order of the same suit, such as 5-6-7-8-9. A powerful combination that will take you to the end — if your opponents do not realize too soon.
Flush — Five cards of one suit but not in order. In a flush, you will be able to surprise opponents very quickly.
Full House — A union of three of a kind and a pair, such as three kings and two nines. A very powerful hand and can win in most situations.
Four of a Kind — Four cards of the same rank, e.g., four tens. A very powerful hand, and often a game-winner.
Straight Flush — Five cards of the same suit in sequential order. A strong and rare hand that will catch your opponents by surprise.
Royal Flush — Best hand in poker. A 10, jack, queen, king, and ace of the same suit. Extremely unlikely and generally a dream for most players.

Learning to rank hands is the key to success at poker. Understanding how they function allows you to make a better estimate of your own odds — and everyone else's.

Beginner Strategies: How to Avoid Most Mistakes

How do you avoid being the player who loses all their chips at the first table? Here are some tips for avoiding the most common newbie blunders:

Don't play every hand. The temptation is great — you have your two cards and want to get in. But beware! One of the largest newbie mistakes is playing too many hands. Play only hands that have real potential.
Don’t chase the bluff. Bluffing looks cool in movies, but in real life, it only works if you’re confident in your strategy and can read your opponents. Bluffing too often can quickly lead to losing the pot.
Mind your position. Your table seat is no ordinary number. The later you play, the more information you have. Use it to your advantage. Early positions are hazardous — play cautiously.
Take care of your bankroll. Never gamble with money you can afford to lose. Make this rule a motto and internalize it. Set a limit and stick to it, even when victory is near.
Don't underestimate your opponents. Every player at the table is looking to win. Some will seem amateurish — but that might be itself a bluff. Exercise caution around all of them.
Be patient. Poker is a long haul, not a dash. If you are on a losing streak, do not try to win it all back immediately. Patience and a clear head will always lead you back into the game.
Observe what your opponents do. Reading players will give you some idea of what they will be doing next. For example, a player that calls too hastily may be uncertain about their hand.
Take breaks. Playing when exhausted can result in errors — even for pros. Fatigue is one of your strongest enemies at the table. Rest and recharge for improved play.
Experiment with other card games. Occasionally it is helpful to have a break from high-intensity poker play with less demanding card games to clear your mind.

Tips from Experienced Players

It's said that success goes to those who pay attention, observe, and learn. So to end our poker journey, here are some sound words of advice from top players around the world:

Don't reveal your bluffs. Experts never reveal their bluffs. It does not mean that they bluff or anything, but they simply do not reveal it after. The less your opponents know about you, the more difficult it is for them to play against you.
Be ready to fold solid hands. Don't ever think twice about folding solid cards. Even solid hands are dangerous based on the table. With more than three players and a suited board, be ready to fold those aces.
Don't confuse winning and luck. Experienced players know that luck is a short-term influence. Even the best lose a lot of hands — but over the long run, good decisions win. Learn from mistakes and focus on playing the right ones.
Play like a pro. Real professionals turn poker into their main profession. They play all the time and keep fine-tuning themselves at all times, irrespective of their mood. Form the habit of learning and practicing on a daily basis.
Get poker friends. With time, we tend to be one-sided. Having some old-timers to criticize games and strategies with can prove to be the difference.