How to play poker

How to play poker step-by-step

We'll now take you through a more detailed version of how to play poker for beginners, again based on a game of Texas Hold 'Em. The following steps can be applied to most poker variants, but make sure you always check for any variant-specific rules before you start playing.

How to play poker in a casino

You’ll find playing poker in a real casino similar to playing online, especially if you’ve played with a live dealer before. The table set-up is the same as a virtual table, but the dealer is, of course, a real person. One key difference you’ll notice is the speed at which the game is played. Poker in a land casino is played at a much slower pace, and you can only play at one table at a time. As a result, you’ll end up playing fewer hands.

Another big difference is that you’re able to see the other players – something you can use to your advantage. By keeping an eye on their body language and playing style, you can try to figure out their next move or when they’re bluffing. It’s also a good idea to check the casino’s rules, which should be visible in the poker room. Although the basic steps for how to play still apply, you should still make sure you’re familiar with the specific variant offered by your chosen casino and any other house rules. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to start playing.

What makes a good starting poker hand?

Understanding hand strengths is hugely important for becoming a better poker player.

Playing with cards that have poor poker odds is rarely a good idea. You'll most likely find yourself eating away at your bankroll as you stay in the round trying to put together a decent hand. To increase your chances of success, use the information below to recognise which hands are worth sticking with, and which to simply throw away.

Starting Hands

You'll only get two cards at the start of a hand, so make sure they're both strong. It's much easier to play a pot with a strong holding, particularly when you're starting out, as it negates any chances of getting into sticky situations. If you know you're beat even when holding a good hand, you shouldn't be in the hand - simple.

Even a new player can make a lot of money from micro and small-stake games online by playing a tight, solid, ABC game. If it's a good hand and a good situation, play it. If you know you can't win and the other player isn't going to fold, just muck your hand to fight another day.

So, what's a good starting hand?

Strong Hands

Obviously, high pairs like A-A, K-K, Q-Q, J-J and 10-10 are worth raising with, particularly in late position.

A-K, A-Q and A-J, all suited, are more examples of strong hands you want to raise with pre-flop. They're also good hands for making Continuation Bets with, i.e. if you've raised pre-flop and have hit a flop that doesn't really help you (say, the three cards are all below yours) you may want to lead out with a bet to portray strength.

Medium Strength Hands

Next come the medium strength hands, like K-10, Q-10 and J-10, and medium pairs like 9-9, 8-8 and 7-7. They're all good raising hands, depending on position and the dynamic of your table, but can also be called with in an aggressive pre-flop betting round.

Marginal Hands

Finally, marginal hands like 2-2, 3-3, and A-9 are all decent hands for calling with pre-flop if in late position. You may disguise your hand by hitting trips (three of a kind) on the flop, then you can start to be aggressive.

The beauty of online poker is that no two tables are alike. If you have a particularly tight table you can mix things up by expanding your starting hand range to exploit weakness. For most beginners, however, a solid game with strong starting hands is sensible, if a little dull to start off with.