Poker has an almost endless list of different varieties for players at both land-based and online casinos.However, if you were to ask the average person, regardless of how experienced a casino player they may be, to visualise a poker game, the variety that will appear in their brain is likely to be Texas Hold’em.The popularity of this game type is, oddly, down to its own popularity to a large degree. Televised poker tournaments, and the use of games of Hold’em in television shows and movies means that this is the variety of poker we all see the most.Granted, the main reason for this is the popularity of the game amongst online casino players, but at the same time, the ever-present nature of Texas Hold’em due to its popularity, has led to an increase in its popularity.If you are considering stepping into the world of Texas Hold’em Poker, there are a few things you should be aware of, and a few strategies to keep in mind.As is our wont, we’re here with a handy guide to tell you everything you need to go.
What is Texas Hold’em?
Texas Hold’em is one of those games that takes a second to learn and a lifetime to master.In the simplest terms, each player is given two cards, and then five cards are (ultimately) laid out in the middle of the table, these five cards are communal.The aim of the game is then to create the best five card hand you can out of the seven cards available to you, the two in your hand, and the five on the table.Betting happens after the cards are dealt to the players, then each time new cards are placed in the centre, starting with three, then the last two coming one at a time, there is then one more round of betting before everyone turns their cards over and the winner takes the spoils.
Maths, psychology and Luck
Unlike most casino games, that are entirely games of chance, there is actually a certain amount of skill to playing poker, and this is no different with Texas Hold’em.Obviously, quick maths is necessary, not only to work out your best hand, but also in order to consider the possible hands that may exist around the table.There is also a psychological element to playing Hold’em, which is truer in land-based casinos, when you are face to face (ish) with your opponents, but also stands in online situations too.If you know anything about poker, you’ll know the ability to bluff is vital, but perhaps even more important is the ability to know, or at least have a strong idea, when your opponents are bluffing.Of course, if the cards don’t fall in your favour, there is little you can do about it, so chance can still be a huge factor, but if you can have an idea what’s in the hands of your opponents using a combinations of maths and psychology, you will have an instant advantage.
Practice Makes Perfect
Most online casino games are playable for free before you bet any money, and this is the case with Hold’em at a variety of sites.Take the time to play a decent amount of freeplay games first, find your playing style, get used to reading your opponents, and understanding the likelihood that your hand is the best at the table.Once you’re used to this, you can then take the step up and play for small bet amounts, if you’re comfortable and successful here, go up a step in terms of price (if you can afford it) and see where you can go!