, lowAlthough the varieties of poker may seem a little complex, it is really a lot easier than it may first appear. All the different poker games (Texas Hold’em, Seven Card Stud, etc.) share some basic elements: The goal of poker is to win money from the other players by placing bets on the strength of the cards that have been dealt to you. Players are dealt cards (a “hand”), some or all of which are concealed. Bets are made on the strength of the cards in rounds of betting. The hands develop as more cards are dealt. Finally the strongest hand wins a showdown or all players but one have folded. Whichever form of poker you play, the vital thing to know is the ranking of the hands. See the next chapter for the ranking of poker games. Texas Hold’em and both versions of Omaha have from 2 to 10 players, whilst Seven Card Stud games have 2 to 8 players. A standard pack of 52 cards is used, with no jokers. The ace is the high card, however, in hi/lo games it can be ranked as either high or low, at either end of a sequence. Before each game a new pack is randomly generated using RNG (Random Number Generation). The number of ‘pocket’ or ‘hole’ cards (cards that only you can see) and community’ cards (that everyone can see and use) varies between types of game. The game moves around the table clockwise with the ‘dealer’ position, indicated by a small disc or button. Although in online games the dealer does not actually deal cards, the dealer always receives his cards last. Where you sit at the table dictates two more important elements of a game: Firstly the two players to the left of the dealer must place the ‘blind’ bets or ‘antes’ which get the game going. Secondly, if you act later in the game you have the advantage of learning more about the strength of the other players’ hands. Two players make ‘blind’ bets before any cards are dealt; this ensures that there is some money in the pot that the players can vie for. Bets are combined in the middle of the table to make the ‘Pot’, which the players compete for. All poker games are characterised by ‘rounds of betting’ where each player can either fold, check, call or raise. A round is finished when all players have made the maximum number of bets or all bets have been equalized – that is everyone has bet the same amount. Each time cards are dealt, there is a new round of betting. There are fixed amounts that players can bet per round called ‘limits’. For instance, in a $5/$10 game raises would be limited to $5 in the first two rounds of betting and $10 in the last two rounds of betting. Raising’ a bet both matches the initial bet and then increases it. On a 5/10 game, a lower limit raise would actually be $10 – a $5 call and a $5 raise. An upper limit raise would match the initial bet and increase it by up to $10. For instance $5 might match the previous bet and $10 raise the bet to the limit, making the entire bet $15. In ‘no-limit’ games there is no restriction on the amount that can be bet. Whilst betting in ‘pot-limit’ games is restricted to the amount in the pot at that moment. Players are only allowed to use the chips in play at the beginning of a hand. They are not allowed to get extra funds during a hand, although they may get more between hands. This collection of poker tips was put together by Mike Sexton, host of PartyPoker.com and commentator for the World Poker Tour, and Linda Johnson, noted poker player and personality. # Hands to stay with before the flop. Pairs (7-7, 9-9), two face cards (K-Q, A-J), or hands that can make both a straight and a flush (8-9, 6-7 of the same suit). Be patient and fold other hands unless you are in the blind. In no-limit Texas Hold’em, players can bet all of their chips at any time, so bet aggressively when you have a good hand. Play fewer hands when you are one of the first players to act, because you are “out of position” and vulnerable to raises from remaining players. Do not act until it is your turn. Play proceeds clockwise at the poker table. Be a “bettor,” not a “caller.” (Being aggressive is good.) If someone raises in late position (either near or on the button), re-raise them a good amount if you are in the blind. Chances are, they don't have a real big hand and they are just trying to steal your blinds. (This style of play, going "over the top" is probably the strongest play one can make in no limit Hold'em.. Be a "bettor," not a "caller." (Being aggressive is good.) If someone raises in late position (either near or on the button), re-raise them a good amount if you are in the blind. Chances areckages. North India, Rajasthan, Shimla, hill stations, vacation, kin's diet, the Zone, the Zone Diet, and many other great diet plans. .

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