How to Play Poker?

New to online poker or eager to sharpen your skills? Discover how to play poker with ease using Mr Green’s comprehensive guide. From mastering basic rules, poker hands to play and hands to fold, to navigating Texas Holdem and Omaha, the man in green has you covered.

Whether you're gathering around the table with friends or challenging opponents online, poker offers thrilling moments and electrifying competition. Embrace the excitement, learn the fundamentals, and embark on your journey to becoming a poker ace.

Let Mr Green guide you through bluffing, raising, and showdowns, ensuring you're ready for any game, whether at home or online.

The Basics of Poker

To be fair, there are various versions and variants of the beautiful game of poker, but when it comes down to it, they all share the below common principles.

How do I win in poker? You simply need to utilise your dealt cards to create the strongest five-card hand (and in some cases seven) to win. Or alternatively, skillfully bluff your opponents into believing you have superior hand, even if it's not the case.

Okay, I get it, having the strongest hand wins… but what exactly is the “strongest hand”?

Great question, it’s important to note from the beginning that all cards are NOT created equal, each individual card and suit has a differing rank. This is the rank of each card from top to bottom according to its number:
A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2.

So, when you’re playing to create your best and strongest 5-card hand, these are the rankings of best poker hands from strongest to weakest:

Remember, the higher the value cards you have in your hand, the stronger it is. If you and your opponent both have a pair, a pair of Kings will beat out a pair of fives for example. Same goes for a straight, a 5-card hand of 3,4,5,6,7 will lose out to a hand of 5,6,7,8,9 because the opponent’s hand contains higher ranked cards.

For more details about poker hand rankings, take a look at Mr Green’s Guide to hand ranking, here.

Poker positions

Position at the table can make a huge difference to your strategy of play. Nope, that doesn’t mean having to move from seat-to-seat but instead, how the cards are dealt after each hand that effects the order of play.

So how do we identify the order of play? We use an icon called, the ‘Button’. After each hand, the button moves clockwise around the table from one player to the next, signalling to the dealer where the dealing of cards should start.

Here are defined positions:

• If the button is on you, then you’re in ‘Early Position’ – your cards are dealt first and act first.
• If the button is to your left, then you’re in ‘Late Position’ – your cards are dealt last and act last.
• Being somewhere in between the two means you’re in ‘Middle Position’.

• Why does poker position matter? Well poker position will affect your betting strategy during the hand giving you control over the wagering and even allowing you to observe your opponent’s play before you must act.
• Early position means you’re the first to play, you have the least amount of information about your opponents’ hands and are usually at risk of being raised or re-raised.
• Late position means you are the last to play, you will see your opponent’s actions, time taken to bet, how much they bet and how much they raise before you even need to act.
• Position can be a deciding factor in play, use it right, use it to your advantage and it could make the difference in winning or losing.

Betting and blinds

What are Blinds?

Before any play begins or cards are dealt, blinds are prerequisite bets that only the two players after the button need to make. Don’t worry, everyone playing at the table takes turns to be in the blind position.

Think of the blinds as prefilling the pot. Blinds also help prevent players from occupying a position at the table and sitting out ruining the flow game.

There are two blinds in total, the small blind is placed clockwise of the dealer and the big blind is clockwise of the small. The value of the blinds are determined at the start of the game and the small blind is usually half of the big blind.

When choosing a poker table to play at, you will always be shown the blind levels and in the case of poker tournaments, how often the blinds increase.

Here’ an example, sitting at the poker table are four players and the blinds are set to €5/€10, meaning the small blind is €5 and the big blind is €10. The dealer button is placed with player 1, meaning before any play can begin, player 2 must place a compulsory small blind bet of €5 and player 3 must place a compulsory big blind bet of €10. Now each player is dealt their cards and the game can begin with player 4 continuing the bets from the big blind bet.

Please note, the blinds are only used at the very opening of the hand and only repeated once the hand has been completed, and the winner of the hand has been paid out the prize pot!

What does no-limit and fixed limit betting mean?

No-Limit Betting is by far the most popular betting type for poker since the only thing limiting a player’s bet is the number of chips they have.

Basically, if the player before you bet €50 and you wanted to raise that bet to €500, as long as you have the chips, you can!

Please note, the minimum bet and minimum raise is always limited to the value of the big blind.

Fixed-Limit Betting on the other hand limits the max amount you can raise per betting round. This is normally set to the big blind amount for the table.

So, on the €5/€10 blind table we referenced before, players can only raise their bet by €10

How to bet in poker

During every hand of poker, there are individual rounds of betting as cards are revealed that build towards your final 5-card hand.

When it’s your turn to bet, what are the actions you can take?

• Check – if no chips have been put on the table you can ‘check’, basically passing on your turn unless someone after you bets, then the round swings back to you to either bet, raise, or fold.
• Fold – don’t be afraid to give up on your hand if you feel your hand is too weak, or if staying in the game is just too steep. Be aware, you will lose anything you have already put into the pot.
• Call – match the highest bet made at the table so far and stay in the round.
• Raise – much like a call but instead, you increase the amount bet during the round forcing other players to either match your bet or fold. Be aware, players can also raising your raise, which is also fondly known as a ‘re-raise’.
• All In – betting but using all your chips at the table. Will either lead to big wins or knocking you off the table.

Most players verbally announce their actions, but online every action is clearly illustrated allowing you to make the right decision in a short timeframe.

Example hand of Texas Holdem Poker

So, you know position, you know the hand rankings, and you now know how to bet – let's go through a basic example of a poker hand from the start to finish in Texas Hold'em, the most popular variant of poker.

Step 1: The two players in small and big blind position place their chips on the table.

Step 2: The dealer shuffles the deck, then distributes the cards to all of the seated players in a clockwise direction starting from the player in button position.

Step 3: Once all players have received their two hole cards, the betting round begins continuing from the first player after the big blind. Players can choose to fold, call, raise or even re-raise, depending on their current 2-card hand.

Step 4: With the first betting round complete, now comes the flop, this is the first three community cards dealt into the center of the table. This is the first time you can see your full 5-card hand – the three community cards plus your two hole cards.

Step 5: The next betting round begins starting from the first player after the button (the small blind position). Once again players can fold, call, raise or re-raise but the additional option to check is now available if there is no active bet on the table.

Step 6: Next comes the ‘turn’ which reveals the 4th community card. Now 4 cards are on display, 3 of which are used to make your bets 5-card hand.

Step 7: The next betting round begins starting from the first player after the button (the small blind position). Once again players can fold, call, raise or re-raise but the additional option to check is now available if there is no active bet on the table.

Step 8: Finally comes the ‘River’, the fifth and final community card shared by the table. This it, your best 5-card hand is decided.

Step 9: The final betting round. Now the choice is if your 5-card hand is strong, claim as big a pot as you can. If your hand is weak, fold… or take the risk and bluff your opponents into thinking you have the strongest hand.

This format is almost identical across most types of online poker games including Omaha, 5-card stud, 7-card stud etc.

New to Poker –ga Understanding the Basics for beginners

You’ve seen it played in the movies, that cool atmosphere, the excitement of holding the winning hand and let’s face it, you want in. Well, if you're diving into this exhilarating game for the first time, Mr Green has your back. Explore our tips to grasp the fundamentals of poker, or if it’s been a while, give yourself a little refresher before delving into more sophisticated strategies.

Poker meaning

According to the dictionary, Poker refers to a variety of card games where players wager on the perceived superiority of their hands compared to others'. In these games, each player must match or raise the bet, or fold, and the player with the highest-ranking hand at the end wins the pot… simple enough.

But in all honesty, this is easier said than done.

Luck, as always plays its role, but poker is unlike any other game, poker is a game of skill, that’s why the world’s best poker professionals are just that, because they play with skill. From strategies to suit differing opponents, a head for math and probability, and the ability to bluff their way to the pot, the player’s level of skill will mean the difference between winning and losing.

Poker 101

Your basic objective in poker to win, is to secure the most formidable five-card hand or if you can’t, skillfully persuade your opponents that you do have it.

During each round, when it's your turn to act, you can opt to bet, call, raise existing bets, or fold, thereby bowing out of the hand.

At any point when it is your turn to bet, you retain the option to fold though you will lose any chips you’ve put in the pot so far.

If multiple players persist until the final betting round concludes, a showdown occurs, revealing each player's cards, and the victor emerges with the most potent hand.

Even without reaching the showdown, if all opponents fold in response to your bet or raise, you claim the hand. This scenario encapsulates the essence of bluffing, where adept players project confidence in possessing superior cards.

For a comprehensive understanding of poker rules, including hand rankings, delve into our detailed guide.

The Real Deal - How to deal in poker

In contrast to an actual casino that has a dedicated poker dealer, in the lively realm of casual poker games among friends, the role of dealer rotates. Everyone takes part in dealing cards and managing the central pot.

To get started and help you identify your hole cards from your flop, here are some exclusive tips for mastering the art of poker dealing:

• Before any hand begins, ensure the deck is thoroughly shuffled.
• When dealing the Flop, Turn, and River cards, consider 'burning' the top card. Confirm with players if they prefer this practice, but “burning” the top card before the deal guarantees a deeper level of randomness to the Flop, Turn and River.
• Start dealing from the player left of the Button, giving one card to each player until everyone has their starting cards.
• Different poker variants involve dealing different numbers of starting cards: two in Texas Hold’em and four in Omaha.
• The dealer also manages the bets, required blinds at the start of the hand and blind levels, plus the chip pot throughout the round. While it's typically the dealer's task, seek assistance if needed, especially if you're new.
• At the end, declare the winning hand or the last player standing, then award the pot. Observe and learn before taking on these roles.

Explore our comprehensive guide to mastering poker dealing. Ready to elevate your game to the professional level? Check out our guide on turning your aspirations into achievements.

The don’ts of Poker etiquette

While specific table rules may vary, adhering to a code of poker etiquette ensures smooth gameplay and ensures that everyone, regardless of experience, can fully enjoy the game.

• Avoid playing out of turn. Announcing your bet or fold prematurely can unfairly affect others' actions before it's your turn. It's best to refrain from doing so.
• Be clear with your betting. Avoid confusing fellow players by being transparent about the number of chips you're betting and refrain from hiding your chip stack.
• Don’t interfere with the flow of play. Once you're out of the round, it's advisable not to “advise” players on what to do in their situation. Observing and learning is typically the best approach.

Want to know more? Here are soe other unwritten rules of poker etiquette.

Go from beginner to expert… or at least, intermediate

Now that you've grasped the fundamental poker rules, it's time to expand your understanding. At MrGreenpoker, we offer a wealth of guides to delve deeper into the game. From strategic tips to mastering the terminology, we're here to enhance your skills and make your gaming experience even more enjoyable.

Types of Poker

There are a vast number of poker game variations, each with its distinct characteristics and rules, that offer up different play styles and challenges. Here's an overview of the most popular types and key considerations for playing them.

Texas Hold’em

Before diving into playing Texas Hold'em like a pro, it's essential to grasp the basics:

• Each player is dealt two "hole cards."
• Up to five "community cards" are dealt into the middle of the table for ALL to use.
• Players form their best five-card hand using both their private hole cards and the shared community cards, which are accessible to everyone.

Ready to begin? Explore our interactive Texas Hold'em guide and embark on your journey.

Omaha Hi

Omaha Hi is a "split pot" game. This means that at showdown, the pot is divided equally, with one half going to the best high hand and the other half to the best qualifying low hand.

• Each player is dealt four "hole cards"
• Five community cards are placed in the middle of the table for ALL to use.
• Player hands must consist of two hole cards and three community cards.

Explore our Omaha Hi guide for a refreshing take on the poker experience.

Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha Hi-Lo is a variation of Pot Limit Omaha where players can win the pot in two ways: by holding the strongest hand (High), but also the weakest (low)

• Usually has fixed limits and is sometimes called Omaha 8 or better
• The pot is split evenly at the end of each hand
• Half the pot goes to the highest-value hand
• And half the pot goes to the lowest-value hand.

In Omaha Hi-Lo, the excitement lies in strategizing to win both pots. Explore our guide to learn more today!

5- Card Stud

Five-card stud is the earliest form of the card game stud poker and is the one mostly seen in movies and is great for beginners who want to learn poker.

• All players place an Ante called the ‘bring in’ into the pot.
• There are no blinds.
• Each player is dealt 5 cards, starting with one face down and one face up.
• Each card following is dealt after a betting round (also called ‘streets’) until each player has a total of 5 cards.
• After this the cards are turned up and the best hand takes the pot.
• The first round of betting starts from the lowest card on show, all following betting rounds start from the highest hand on show.

Other poker types

7 - Card Stud is another popular variant that plays like 5-Card but has 7 cards instead. There are also lesser-known yet intriguing options include Badugi, Horse, and Razz.

Explore our guide to popular poker variants if you're interested in trying something a bit unique.

Playing Poker Online

While online poker differs from the LIVE, in-person experience, it's equally thrilling and provides aspiring poker masters with a more convenient and faster way to play anytime of the day.

To begin, register with an online poker site like MrGreenPoker, grab a tasty Welcome Bonus, then choose your desired stakes/blinds, Cash game or Tournament, and pull up a seat.

What’s the difference between online and LIVE poker?

• Play Speed: If you’ve sat at a LIVE table waiting minutes per hand, the speed of online play is the very first thing you’ll notice. Online poker progresses swiftly due to instantaneous actions like shuffling and dealing and in some cases, auto actions the player can set in advance. Hands are rapid and in a single hour’s session, you could play hundreds of hands.
• 24/7 Accessibility: Online poker offers round-the-clock availability, ensuring a seat at the virtual table whenever you wish to play, whether it's a quick morning’s sit and go, or a late-night high-stakes tournament.
• No need to go incognito: Ever sat at a LIVE table and seen hoodies, sunglasses even masks covering your opponents face as they try to hide tells or ticks that might give away their strategy? Online, you can sit comfy in your pjs, the only thing your opponents can see is the way you play – how you call, raise and fold.
• To Socialise or to not Socialise: Online poker rooms feature chat functions, allowing communication with fellow players akin to LIVE games. What can be even better, is closing the chat window so you can stay focused if you also prefer.

Choosing an online poker table

Okay, you’ve created your account, got your money, chosen what poker to play, but now you’re faced with hundreds of varying table games and don’t know what to choose, let us help.

• Sit n Go poker (SnG) is typically the quickest format available. It starts as soon as enough players have joined the table, with games lasting as little as an hour or even less.
• Multi-table tournaments involve playing among a large group, vying for a portion of the prize pool. This format offers the opportunity for substantial winnings even with modest stakes. You simply pay the entrance fee, and everyone starts with the same number of chips.
• Cash games contrast with tournaments as your chips represent the cash you've invested. Every bet comes from the cash you’ve brought to the table.

Are you new to online poker or feeling a bit rusty? You can practice your skills for free with ‘free play’ before stepping into real money games.

Playing Online Poker with Friends

Numerous poker sites… including MrGreenPoker, offer the option to create and play private games with your friends. Even if you can't gather in person, or your friends are scatted across the globe, this invite only or password protected option lets you all connect online in a private poker room and enjoy a game.

FAQs

Can I play poker with just two people – myself and a friend?

Absolutely! This type of poker is called "heads-up poker," typically involving a game with just two players or it’s also the name given when only two players are left at the final table of a tournament. Enjoying the poker experience with just one other player is entirely possible. Want to learn more about heads-up poker and how to maximize your "two-handed" game?

What is the highest and best hand in poker?

The apex of all poker hands is the fabled ‘Royal Flush’, a majestic combination of 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all in the same suit. This unrivaled hand stands tall as the pinnacle of Straight Flushes, blending the top straight (featuring face cards) with the five highest-suited cards, making it the undisputed champion among all poker hands.

What is the ‘muck’ in poker?

Sometimes you’ll hear the word 'muck' mentioned in poker. That doesn’t mean the table is dirty, or someone’s had an unfortunate accident, ‘muck’ denotes the collection of discarded cards collected during a hand. The dealer typically contributes to this by "burning" the top card of the deck between each round of betting. Additionally, players 'muck' their cards or 'toss them into the muck' when folding without revealing their hand.

What is the ante in poker?

Before the round officially kicks off, players must make a small, forced bet known as the ‘ante’ to get the hand started. Derived from Latin, 'ante' means 'before'. In Texas Hold'em, this pre-round ante bet is often substituted for the ‘blind’ bets placed by the first two players after the dealer button during each round.

What is a small blind in poker?

In each round of Hold’em poker, the player positioned to the immediate left of the dealer Button takes on the role of the 'Small Blind', and therefore the next player to the left of the 'Small Blind' is the 'Big Blind'. Blinds are called Blinds because the bets are placed without the player seeing their cards. Typically, the ‘Big Blind’ is double the value of the ‘Small Blind’.

How many poker chips do you start with?

Whether you're in a tournament or a cash game dictates how your chips are distributed. Tournaments typically start with all players receiving an equal number of chips, though there might be opportunities for top-ups or buy-ins. In cash games, you receive chips equivalent to your buy-in value, which could vary from your opponents'. However, there's usually a minimum or maximum buy-in limit at each table.

Is there a card suit ranking in poker?

In poker, no suit holds superiority over another. Unlike games like contract bridge or Ninety-Nine, where suit hierarchy matters, poker solely emphasizes card rank. For instance, a high straight will triumph over a lower one regardless of the suit.

What exactly is a wraparound straight?

It's a sequence of cards that begins high, includes the Ace, and ends low, or reversely. For instance, a Q-K-A-2-3 forms a wraparound straight. However, it's crucial to note that in most poker games, a wraparound straight doesn't actually qualify as a hand. In this case, your hand would be Ace-King high, for instance, which wouldn't even surpass a pair.

It’s important to note before playing if wraparound straight draws are included. In Omaha-based games, wraparound straights are important, while some obscure variants of poker may allow wraparounds as a hand.