poker-rules

Every poker game starts with some or all players putting a certain amount of money or chips into the pot. This initial obligatory bet, or fee, is called the “Ante” or “Blind”. An ante is when every player puts a fixed nominal percentage of the minimum stake into the pot - as is the case in Seven Card Stud.

If a blind is required (like in Texas Hold’em or Omaha), the two players to the left of the dealer (designated by the 'dealer button') will start the pot, clockwise from the dealer, with the first player placing the small blind (half the minimum bet) and the next player placing the big blind (the minimum bet). Rotation assures that every player gets their turn to post blinds.

Now it's time to deal the cards. Once you have paid your blinds, there are no more mandatory wagers to be made and you can then take the various opportunities to decide whether or not you wish to play on or fold. You can bet as much as you are able or allowed to, or you can save your chips and show the other players that you are an experienced player. Only rookies see out every game!

In addition, you have the opportunity to win more money from other players by betting on a good hand. Normally, there are three raises per betting round possible, whereas the raises are bound to a limit. If you are betting and nobody calls, you win without showing your cards. If the bet is called, cards must be shown and the player with the best hand wins. In case the amount in the pot is uneven and the pot is split, the first active player to the left of the dealer button gets the extra chip. In Hi/Lo games, the High always gets this extra chip.

Types Of Player

In general, there are 4 types of poker players – Loose/Passive, Loose/Aggressive, Tight/Passive and Tight/Aggressive.

Loose Players: Loose players are defined by their consistent desire to see the lop, disregarding the strength of their Starting Hands, or moving on with marginal hands, rather than waiting for premium holdings. Basically, Loose players filter out too many chips Pre-Flop. Being a loose poker player isn’t always a bad thing, however. Loose players can often steal Blinds by placing a large bet that forces tight players to Fold more often than not. As a novice player, Loose game play is not suggested until you’ve become more accustomed to reading your opponents. Loose players can often win a tidy sum if playing against predominantly Tight players.

Tight Players: Tight poker players are those who Fold Pre-Flop way more often than they move on. This is because they are paying close attention to Starting Hand selection, choosing to conserve their chips for a hand that has a better chance of winning. Most professional poker players choose to play a Tight poker game, knowing it is more beneficial in the long run.

Passive Players: A Passive poker player will place small to medium size bets, but rarely places a large bet without the Nuts (best possible hand). If a Passive poker players pushes all-in, be afraid!

Aggressive Players: An Aggressive poker player is one who is not afraid to place a large bet or raise, usually in hopes of knocking other players out of the pot. When an Aggressive player has a good hand, even if it is not the nuts, they will call a large raise or re-raise with confidence. Aggressive players are generally successful bluffers who earn most of their winnings by encouraging others to Fold.

• Deck of Cards
• Hand Rankings
• Limit, Pot Limit and No Limit
• All in Rules
• Betting Rules
• Blind/Ante Rules