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Two poker games that every newcomer should learn

(Image sourced from Pexels)

 

Between the thousands of games available at an online casino, it is often hard to know when to start – especially if you’re a newcomer. From the odds to the strategy, online gambling requires a careful balance of skill and knowledge to set yourself up for a great win. Before thinking about winning, the most important part is to learn the backend of the game, so that you can brush up on your skillset as you go along. We’ve found the two most popular poker games on the scene, that beginners can learn to give them the best chances at beating the odds. Every game that’s available at an online casino comes with a different set of odds, so it’s important to educate yourself before jumping in.

In this blog, we’re going to be exploring two of the biggest poker games on the market, so that you can learn the basics and set yourself up for success.

Texas Hold’em Poker

Why do we love it? It’s the easiest form of poker for beginners.

Everybody has heard of Texas Hold’em, even if you haven’t played before. This mighty game is the undisputed leader in the casino space – and for good reason. Not only is it the most popular game across the world, it gained traction during the early 2000s when it truly took off on TV. It’s by far the easiest game to learn when you start poker and can be played with as little as 2 players, all the way up to 10 people around the table. Unlike many slot machines and motorized casino games available, Texas Holdem poker brings with it plenty of strategy – meaning the more you manage to play, the better your outcome will be. It allows players of any ability to come together and play, which is often so missing from our disconnected world.

Here’s a quick rundown of the game:

  • Easy, simple rules: To start, you are given two cards, which you will soon combine with five community cards to try and make the best hand.
  • More skill is required than luck: Many casino games are based on luck, but poker of any kind is mixed with a large helping of strategy. You’re playing against other people instead of the house, meaning with practice you can learn to turn the odds in your favor.
  • Available everywhere: One thing for sure with Texas Hold’em is that it is so popular, that you’ll find it everywhere. From beginner's courses to online tutorials and videos — it’s so widely adapted, that you can continually build on your abilities.

Quick tips to get started:

  1. Learn the meaning of the hands: It may sound obvious, but you need to understand the card meanings to strategize correctly. Start learning about which hands are the strongest or weakest, and use that as your foundation.
  2. Always look for strong hands: If you are just starting out or are rusty, then we’d recommend keeping your eyes peeled for strong hands. Don’t put too much effort into strategy just yet, instead focus on playing solid hands — such as pairs or high numbers.
  3. Learn with free games and guides: There are many online platforms that offer free games so that you can learn on the go. Sign up for courses and tutorials and meet with friends who are looking to grow as a player.

The rundown on odds

As we said, odds differ depending on the game you’re playing. There are many types of odds, but when it comes to Texas Hold’em, the odds calculation is called pot odds. This means that there is a ratio of the pot size compared to your next move. For example, say the pot is set at £100 and you place a bet for £20 — your pot odds would work out to 5 to 1. If the odds of you completing your hand are better than this amount, then it will most probably be a good move. Disclaimer: Learn the basics before the odds, as it can seem confusing before knowing the rules of the games.

2) Seven-Card Stud

Why do we love it? It’s a classic poker challenge.

Before Texas Hold’em took the world by storm, Seven-Card Stud was the leader. Just look back through the history books and you’ll see that this long-standing game was a trailblazer. The best part about it is that it is played at a slower pace than other versions of poker, making it great for newbies looking to join in. This allows beginners the chance to focus on learning the poker principles and the cards they hold, instead of looking at what the community is up to.

Here’s a quick rundown of the game:

  • No shared community cards: Luckily, this form of poker has no shared community cards, so you can build your card entirely on what's dished out. This allows you to focus on yourself, and learn about the values of each card.
  • It requires skill over luck: Seven-Card Stud needs you to have all hands on deck. To do this you need to track whatever cards have been folded, so that you can easily work out your future deal.
  • You will start with seven cards: The aim of the game is to create the best five-card hand from the total amount of cards you are given.

Final thoughts

Both of these games may be perfect for beginners, but they’re also a brilliant mix of odds and strategy. They focus on skill over chance, which means that casual players can be distinguished from those who improve their skills in every game. The important takeaway is that these sorts of games that need skill will result in a better outcome for you as a player in the long run.