Live casino poker is one of the most exciting and interactive games to play on the internet. Due to the live nature of events and playing with actual dealers, poker has found a new fan in the majority of gamblers from all over the world, including Indians. You can feel a bit nervous if you are a beginner. No problem! With this beginner’s guide, you’ll be up to speed in no time and ready to dive into the world of live casino poker.
What is Live Casino Poker?
Live casino poker just refers to the fact that the poker is being played live by a genuine life dealer who deals the cards. You aren’t playing the computer, you are playing live in a live game with an actual professional dealer via video feed. The dealer lays the cards on the table and you play just like you are playing at a real life poker game at a casino.
The biggest difference is that you can literally see the dealer and other players in real-time on your screen. This creates the illusion that you are sitting at a poker table in a live casino, even though you are playing from home.
The Basics of Poker
Before diving into the game, it is important to know the fundamentals of poker. The aim of poker is to create the best hand out of five cards. The rankings of hands begin with the highest-ranking hand (Royal Flush) and end with the lowest-ranking hand (High Card).
Following are the fundamentals of hand rankings, from best to worst:
Royal Flush – A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit
Straight Flush – Five of the same suit in sequence
Four of a Kind – Four cards with the same rank
Full House – Three kind and one pair
Flush – Five cards with the same suit but not of the same order
Straight – Five of a different suit but in sequence
Three of a Kind – Three cards with the same rank
Two Pair – Two pairs with the same rank
One Pair – Two cards of the same rank
High Card – Your highest card if you don’t have any other hand
Most poker games determine the winner based on the highest hand. But there’s also a lot of huge amounts of psychology and strategy that go on because you need to determine when you should play aggressively and when you should step off.
How Does Live Casino Poker Work?
When you play a live poker tournament, you are connected to a live dealer through video streaming. The game and the cards are shuffled by the dealer just as they would be shuffled in a normal casino. You will also be able to talk to the dealer and the other players, thus adding another level of interactivity and entertainment.
There are several poker games you can bet on in a live casino, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and so on. The most prevalent one is Texas Hold’em, so let us discuss that here.
In Texas Hold’em, a player is dealt one’s own card (or hole card), and five face cards are dealt on the table. The players use two hole cards and five common cards to create the best possible hand that they can. The game is played with four rounds of betting, and whoever has the best hand at the end wins.
Tips for Newbies
Since you are a fresh player, start slowly and develop your experience. Below are a few general guidelines to begin with:
Start at Low Stakes – Do not start playing games of high stakes. Start playing at low stakes so that you can learn the game and establish your confidence level. You can increase your stakes as you go forward.
Play Tight, Not Lose – This means that you need to be selective about the hands you play. Folding bad hands is preferable to playing a lot of hands and losing. It is good for a beginner to play less good hands.
Pay Attention to Position – In poker, your table position matters. Players who play later in the hand are aware of what is occurring, which puts them at an advantage. If you’re in an early position, you play tighter, and when you’re in late position, you can play slightly looser.
Be Patient – Poker is a patience game. You are not going to win at every hand, and that is okay. Be patient and wait for the appropriate situations and don’t play just because everyone else is.
Learn to Read Other Players – One of the most important skills in poker is being able to read other players. Watch their behavior, how they bet, and if they seem nervous or confident. Over time, you’ll get better at understanding when someone has a strong hand or is bluffing.
Enjoy the Social Aspect
One of the best aspects of Live Casino poker is social interaction. You are able to communicate with other players and the live dealer, so you can enjoy a better game as it is funnier and exciting. Don’t hold back, say something to someone at the table and offer your views. Have fun.
Keep Learning
Poker is a game of strategy, and the more you play, the better you’ll get. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s the different strategies, people reading, or the odds. Don’t be in a hurry, practice, and absorb it all.
Final Thoughts
Live casino poker is an exciting and rewarding game that requires skill, strategy, and a little luck. By being aware of the fundamentals, progressing at your own rate, and navigating your way, you are able to play the game and improve with time. Live casino poker allows you to have the thrill of a live poker table on your screen, so make use of it and have fun. No matter whether you are an absolute beginner or someone who’s eager to improve, live casino poker is one game that you can enjoy playing for years.
