As poker is one of the most popular casino games, there are a wide variety of poker websites to choose from.  Online poker gives you the chance to enjoy your favourite games from home.  The amount of poker websites available means that you can now access a wide variety of free poker games.

Free poker games are the perfect choice for those wishing to practise their poker skills.  Many websites offer instant access to free poker games, and you can choose to play alone or with other online players.  Playing free poker games not only enables you to practise your skills, but also allows you to dip into your favourite games whenever you wish.  Free poker games are the perfect choice for those wishing to relax and play their favourite game from home.

There are a number of websites that enable you to view the best free online casinos available. The fact that the games are free means that beginners do not have to worry about losing money and are free to practise their poker skills whenever they wish.  Some websites offer flash poker games, which enable players to play poker instantly without having to download any software.

Another advantage of free online poker is that you do not have to be a member of the website where you are playing the game; you can easily play games on free poker websites without giving any of your details.

One of the most popular versions of poker and the most commonly used at online poker sites is Texas Hold’em.  It is a game that can be learned quicker than other variants of poker such as Seven Card Stud or Omaha and as a result is usually favoured by novices of the game.

While the game varies when playing it in real life, the online version of Texas Hold’em is usually played as follows.  A  Big and Small Blind are posted by the two players to the left of the dealer.  The dealer then deals two cards to each player; these are known as the hole cards.  A round of betting then commences where players have the option to call, raise, or fold.  Once betting is complete the dealer places three cards face up on the table.  These are known as the flop.  All cards placed face up in this way can be used by players as part of their hand.

After this is another round of betting, where options are now check, bet, raise, call or fold.  The dealer then places a fourth card face up (the turn) and the process is repeated.  The dealer then places a fifth card on the table.  This card, known as the river, signals the final round of betting.  Once the betting is completed, any players remaining in the game show their hands and the player with the best hand, comprised of any five cards, wins the pot.  If all players but one fold before the betting ends then this player is not required to show their hand.

The best way to win at video poker is to know how the odds may favour the player.  Online poker sites will offer different percentages for their video poker games.  Some offer wild cards in the poker games while other sites will consider pairs as winning poker hands.

The best way to ensure the best possible payout is to play video poker with a wild card.  Poker players have a better chance of improving their hand with a wild card, making it easier to get a pair or a three-of-a-kind.  For example, without the wild card, the chance of getting three cards of the same value is 11 percent.

Another way poker players can increase the probability of a winning hand is to play a poker game where any pair is a winning hand, rather than playing machines that require a pair of jacks or better for a payout; jacks or better carry odds of 29 percent.  However, when all pairs are considered winners, the probability of winning increases to 42 percent.  Play a video poker game that requires two pairs or a three-of-a-kind to win, and the probability percentage falls dramatically to the point where the odds are actually against the player.

In almost all casinos and online poker sites, the house edge is never completely eliminated. Some online poker games may have a 95-96 percent payout, which still produces tremendous profit for the casino.  Always check the payout table of any machine for the actual winnings awarded.

Online Sit & Go tournaments are considered to be a micro version of larger, Multi Table Tournaments (MTT).  Unlike MTTs, there is only one table and usually a maximum of 10 players competing.  The tournament is a process of elimination, not unlike the final table of a MTT.  Sit & Go events have no scheduled start time and begin once the table has reached its capacity, making Sit & Go tournaments convenient for players lacking time.

Sit & Go events have a different pay structure to MTTs.  In low limit Sit & Go events, players usually buy in for amounts $1-$5.  This amount contributes to the prize pool.  There is also a small fee paid to the poker room in the form of a rake.  Sit & Go tournaments are available at virtually every limit and in every popular variant of poker online.

Many leading online poker rooms pay the top three players.  The player who wins takes a 50% share, with those in second and third place receiving 30% and 20%, respectively.  There are also winner-take-all events.  Another popular variant are freeroll Sit & Gos that award seats in MTTs.

The betting structure can differ from MTTs, requiring most players to tweak their strategies.  The blinds and antes increase at a faster rate.  They may increase every 10 hands, for example, during a turbo event. 

Individual players employ different strategies for Sit & Go tournaments that may be different, or the same as their personal multi table tournament play. 

Being one of the most popular and competitive card games in the world, it is no surprise that poker also comes with its own etiquette.  Whilst those who learn the game online will not have to concern themselves with this, for real world play there are social standards to keep.  And whilst these etiquette points may not actually affect specific poker play, keeping them in mind will make you a better and more respected poker player overall.

There are two key pieces of etiquette specific to actually sitting at the table and playing whichever variety of poker you may be involved in.  The first point regards advantage play which can be a grey area even at the best of times.  Advantage play is the term used to refer to any circumstance where a poker move gives you an unfair advantage against your opponents.  If you see someone else’s cards by fault of the dealer then it should be raised immediately and corrected.  However, if you see someone’s cards through their own fault, it is up to you whether to call the advantage play or not.

The other major etiquette point regarding poker play is asking to see losing hands.  A lot of information can be ascertained from such hands and their owner’s individual strategy.  However, never actually ask to see a hand.  It is noted as disrespectful and can often result in your being asked to leave the table.

Considering both of these points will help your offline and online poker game, and also allow you to become a respected player within the poker community.

Playing poker in online casinos has become very popular.  Some of the best poker players from around the world play in the best poker rooms available online.  Joining a poker room is fairly simple and it is a great way for players to sharpen their skills while still having the chance to win some huge amounts of money while playing.  The first step is to find an online poker room that appeals to you.  Choose a site that is trusted and reliable.  Check reviews and make a decision based on popular sites or those that are highly recommended.

Once a site is selected, try out some of the free games to get a feel of the layout.  If you decide this is the room to play in, you will usually then have to download the software.  The download will be free and will not take much time at all.  Once the download is complete, you will have to open an account.  This is a registration process where you will choose a user name, password and set up payment options.

Once you are registered, you can begin to play games for free or for real money.  When playing for money, you will be required to make a deposit into your account.  This can be done in various ways and most poker rooms will accept major credit cards.

Playing poker in an online poker room can be fun and rewarding and the great thing is… you can play in your pyjamas!

Poker players all over the world are enjoying the surge in popularity that the game is currently experiencing, which means that they are now able to play more and more with a wider group of other players.  Online poker sites and televised tournaments have increased the popularity of the game and now people from all walks of life are taking part.  Today, the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour attract millions of viewers and reward winners with multi-million dollar prizes.

Playing poker is easy once the basic rules are learnt; there are many online tutorials and guides available to teach and advise as to game-play, and the many variations of the game mean that there is a favourite for everyone.

It is widely accepted that poker games fall into four main categories: Draw Poker, Stud Poker, Community Card Poker and Wild Card Poker.  The most popular versions of these games tend to be Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud and 5-Card Draw.  Learning the rules to these four games enables players to then be able to turn their hand to most other versions of poker.

The number of poker hands now being played worldwide on a daily basis is staggering, and many websites and books exist with the aim to teach potential players the ins and outs of the game.  New players may find it easier to take on one version of poker at a time so that they are able to pick up techniques and strategies that suit them.  These strategies can then be employed in other versions of the game later.

Poker is a traditional card game that has been played for centuries and is now enjoying a surge in popularity, thanks in part to the emergence of online poker.  Since the first online poker site was launched in 1998, more and more players have started to log on to try their luck at a hand or two, and have discovered that there are different strategies and techniques needed in order to win online.

Online tutorials are plentiful and enable new players to learn the ropes quickly and easily.  However, one of the main features of the traditional game is lost during online gaming – the art of reading the “tell”.  During game-play, players are required to place bets according to their hand and often winners find that they are able to fool their competitors into thinking the cards they have are better than they are.  Likewise, players are able to make assumptions on competitor’s cards by judging their body language and facial expressions – or their “tells” – and this is something that cannot be done whilst playing online.  Instead, other factors are analysed so that players can determine the strength of competitors’ hands.

Analysing body language is only one factor of game-play that has had to be amended for online poker, and so tutorials for online play can differ greatly from traditional guides.  Many online forums also exist so that players can swap tips and techniques; players can also form private poker groups. 

It certainly seems that online poker is gaining in popularity and is beginning to appeal to more and more diverse groups worldwide.  One thing remains true for everyone who wants to play online poker, however: learning the specific strategies is essential in order to maximise the chances of winning.

When you are playing against other poker players it is a good idea to take note of the ways in which they tend to behave and see if you can spot patterns in their playing behaviour.  It can be useful in judging their cards from this behaviour, but don’t be fooled, as they may be trying to bluff you!

Mindset

The trick is to try and place yourself in the mindset of the other poker players. Try to stay ahead of the game, and as early on as you can try and work out what their weaknesses are.  This may be more difficult when playing online poker but you will still be able to spot patterns of behaviour even if you are not directly face to face with your opponents.

Keep Them Guessing

Try to mix it up: if you have a strategy that works well, don’t get too complacent as the chances are that other players will have spotted it and will be planning to use it against you.

Weaker players

If you think you are playing against weaker players, it is always important to keep your head and not to get too caught up in your successes against them.  You never know when it is an act in a game like poker and they may be out to trick you into thinking they don’t know what they are doing, so it is always good advice to keep calm and focussed whoever your opponent may be.

Kevin “Lovejoy” O’Leary used to deal in antiques.  Now, he deals in cards.
 
O’Leary is a Surrey native who has become a star on the poker circuit.  Nicknamed “Lovejoy” after the BBC series of the same name, O’Leary began his career with 9-ball pool and pro-am snooker.  His time spent as an antiques dealer lead to his “Lovejoy” nickname.  He also worked as a postman, decorator and electronics engineer before devoting himself completely to poker.
 
Over time, poker has taken over as the primary focus in O’Leary’s life.  Some of his best known performances have come from when he travelled over to Las Vegas, in the United States, for tournaments at The Venetian Casino.  He has set a record in the casino, winning five No Limit Texas Hold’em tournaments in the “Deepstack Extravaganza” series.  He also left The Venetian with its Player of the Series award.
 
His annual trek to Las Vegas has made him a regular in the World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker Tour tournaments, where he always performs well.  He has also won the Caesars Palace Las Vegas “Mega-Stack” championship and made the final table at the televised VC Poker Cup at Teddington Studios in England.
 
O’Leary can most often be spotted at live poker tournaments rather than online ones or cash games.  His skill even landed him a sponsorship deal with Blue Square, a UK bookmaker, but he gave up on the deal after three years so he could focus on doing more live tournaments.