Online Poker FAQ
Q1. Are all poker games the same?
Q2. Is poker gambling?
Q3. What is the difference between casino poker and multi-player poker?
Q4. How do you play Texas Hold'em?
Q5. Why is it called Texas Hold'em?
Q6. Where can I learn to play Texas Hold'em?
Q7. Do poker professionals play poker online?
Q8. Are the strategies for Limit and No-limit poker the same?
Q9. Which is the most difficult game to play between Limit and No-Limit?
Q10. How do profit opportunities in poker compare to blackjack?
Q1. Are all poker games the same?
No. Poker is a reference to a five-card hand, consisting of ranks from high card to straight flush (some games allow for a five of a kind).
In reality, there are many different types of poker. Some games involve more skill than others. For example, the most popular poker game is currently Texas Hold'em, which requires a lot of skill but still has a decent amount of luck (at least in the short run).
Games that involve a lot of wild cards tend to have a much stronger luck element (such as baseball). More information can be found in our Poker Variants section.
Q2. Is poker gambling?
Generally, poker is considered gambling. Many people, who play with their friends, do not always play for real money. Also, many people play on the internet for fake money, which would not be considered gambling because they are not risking anything of real value.
However, most people play poker and wager real money, though generally at low stakes. One can win in the long run at poker because there is a lot of skill at poker. Because of this, poker is generally considered a different type of gambling because you can win at it in the long run.
Nevertheless, no one is ever guaranteed to win, and each session can produce a variety of outcomes.
Q3. What is the difference between casino poker and multi-player poker?
Casino poker includes video poker machines, let it ride, and caribbean stud. These games have set house advantages, and it is impossible for the player to win in the long run. These games are much more similar to other casino games like craps and slot machines than they are to multi-player poker. Multi-player poker has much more skill, and it is possible to win at this type of poker in the long run.
Q4. How do you play Texas Hold'em?
To start, each player is dealt two cards face down. These two cards are known as pocket cards or hole cards. The first round of betting occurs. After the betting is over, three community cards are dealt face up in the middle of the table - this is known as the Flop.
The next round of betting occurs. Another card is then dealt face-up on the table - this is known as the Turn card. Another round of betting occurs. The last cards is then dealt face up on the table - this is known as the River card. The final round of betting takes place and everyone who didn't fold shows their cards.
Q5. Why is it called Texas Hold'em?
There's a lot of different stories about how it started out, but surprisingly the story doesn't begin in Texas as you would think. There seems to be a story from Life Magazine back in 1960's or so about a game called 'Hold Me Darling' that was becoming a big poker variant, which later became 'Hold Me' and then lastly Hold'em as the final name. No clue as to the inventor, but this seems to be the origins of the name.
Q6. Where can I learn to play Texas Hold'em?
Most people learn how to play Texas Hold'em by playing their their friends or relatives, so my advice is to simply ask around and find someone you know who plays hold'em. Chances are, they will be more than happy to help you out and invite you to a game where you can watch everyone play. Otherwise, just jump in a play money game online and learn by yourself. Like many things, texas hold'em is easy to learn, hard to master.
Q7. Do poker professionals play poker online?
Yes, many of the popular poker sites have a number of poker celebrities or poker professionals that play there. Some professional poker players that play online are Phil Helmuth Jr, Phil Ivey, Annie Duke, Kathy Leibert, Howard Lederer, Gus Hansen and Daniel Negraneau to name a few. So yes, it's quite common for professionals to play poker online.
Q8. Are the strategies for Limit and No-limit poker the same?
In Limit poker, the size of the pot and the odds have more importance than in No Limit, because in Limit it is not often, for example, that one can take out of a positive EV expectation the opponent. (Example: Limit Hold'em. Lots of action pre-flop, only 2 players left to contest the pot after the flop, one has a drawing hand to a flush, the other has a straight already made with no chance to improve. The turn card has just been dealt. The size of the pot gives the flush-drawing hand odds of 15 to 1. The straight wants to take out of the game the flush-drawer but cannot because he can only bet so much and, after he bets, the flush-drawer will still be getting good odds on his draw.)
Tactics such as manipulating the size of the pot (to make it unprofitable for the opponent), or check-raising with a specified amount of risk involved (of getting re-raised) do not apply in No-limit to a great degree. No-Limit involves a lot more player psychology than No-Limit because the players' actions are more important than the mathematics of any hand.
Q9. Which is the most difficult game to play between Limit and No-Limit?
The game's theoretical experts tend to agree that Limit poker is more tough to master as far as optimal strategy is concerned while active player experts, such as the top tournament winners, are divided, with more respect given to No-Limit.
Q10. How do profit opportunities in poker compare to blackjack?
Blackjack is easier for a beginner because basic strategy almost breaks even. Blackjack dealers have fixed strategies, so a disciplined counter can beat up on them.
Poker players are reactive, and will adjust to your strategy. However, the hourly return/risk in poker exceeds the best counting opportunities in blackjack at the lower levels. Consequently poker is more profitable for a moderately skilled player with a limited bankroll. Poker becomes tougher as the limits increase. Eventually most good poker players will find their most profitable limit and their bankrolls will grow to be more than adequate.
Blackjack profits do not diminish at higher levels. Instead blackjack profits are limited by bankroll and casino heat. Finally, both games require extensive scouting to find good conditions for profitable play.
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