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The Basics of Poker

Poker

Poker is a card game of chance and skill, played in private homes and in countless casinos around the world. Depending on the specific game, players may buy in for as little as a nickel or as much as thousands of dollars.

The Rules

Poker can be played in a variety of variants, but most games involve five cards and a betting round. After a deal, each player may “ante” an amount that varies by game (our games are usually a nickel), then view their face-up cards and bet accordingly.

Betting rounds occur in clockwise order, with the first bettor in each interval placing an initial bet, followed by each player in turn to place a bet or “raise” (increasing his wager). After a raise or bet, if all players do not call, a showdown takes place.

Implied Odds

The implied odds of a hand are an important and often misunderstood factor in big bet poker. Learn how to use these odds in your favor by adjusting your play on the current street, and how to recognize and avoid the most common mistakes.

Tournaments

Tournaments are competitions with a large number of players, which often have a set of rules and regulations. Unlike casual games, where everyone sits around the same table and bets continuously until one person has all the chips, tournaments are played in a single location over a specified time period.

Poker is a popular international game, enjoyed in virtually every country with card clubs. The game has a long history, starting as early as the sixteenth century. It is a popular spectator sport and has been adapted for television broadcasts in many countries.