Poker Training
The game of poker has been booming for the past couple of years and shows no sign of slowing down. The TV is being propagated with more and more poker oriented shows-mainly tournaments. Everyone is starting to see just how fun and exciting the game of poker is and they want in. Before you head off to the poker room, you need to understand some basics of the game. There's a lot to the game of poker, so let's get started.
The Variations
There are different kinds of poker, but the king is Texas Hold'em-so that's what we will discuss. There are different betting styles of games as well-Limit, Pot Limit and No-Limit. Additionally there are table games and tournament games. If you've watched poker on television, it's most likely a tournament style and definitely no-limit, which is more exciting. Each type of game and betting style, has it's own unique table atmosphere.
You against the Table
Perhaps one reason why Poker is so popular is that it's player verses player. The casino has absolutely no stake in the outcome of the game. They take their small rake with each pot pulled down. Their goal is to make poker players happy so they come back and keep playing. This is a stark difference compared to all the other games in the casino where the casino could win or lose money-mostly win.
You don't have to worry about the casino trying to cheat nor do you need to overcome a heavy house advantage to do well. If you play your poker in a home game-you're on your own there. There's no reason not to play in a casino, which is a safe and friendly atmosphere.
The Start
Before any cards are dealt, one player is assigned the title of "Big Blind", one player is assigned the title of "Small Blind" and one player is given the button, which is called the "Dealer." A poker game can be played with as little as two players. If that's the case, the button alternates with each hand. If you are not the Big Blind or Small Blind, you will get your initial cards for free-you can fold if you don't like them. The only players forced to "ante" up is the Big Blind and Small Blind.
Once the blinds are paid, two cards are dealt to each player. The game of poker has now begun. When your turn comes up, you need to decide if your two cards are good enough to play. You generally have three options: Fold, Call or Raise. When you fold, your hand is over. When you call, you are basically paying to see more cards. A call bet amount is equal to the difference between the largest bet of the round minus what you have already put in the pot for the round. For example, if it's the opening round and $1 was the largest bet, you would put in $1 to call. The last option is to raise. When you raise, you can raise up to the table maximum. In no-limit games, there is no limit and that's why you will sometimes see players go "all-in."
The Flop
Once the initial round is complete, the dealer shows three community cards, which is called the "flop." All remaining players can use these three community cards, plus their original two to make a hand. After the flop is dealt, the next round of betting begins. The player with the button always makes the last play, which is why this is a good position to be in. During this round-and the remaining ones-you can make four types of moves: Fold, Check, Call and Raise. If it's your turn and no bets have been made this round, you can check. When you check, you basically pass your turn to the next player. If all the players pass (Check), the round is over and play continues. We already talked about folding, calling and raising, so no need to repeat-it's the same procedure always.
The Turn
The next round is called the Turn. In this round, the dealer will reveal one more community card-the fourth. As before, a round of betting ensues. Since this is the fourth of five total possible community cards, action tends to heat up.
The River
Many souls have lost their hard earned money on the river. The River is the last community card dealt. The hands of the remaining players are now set in stone. Once the card is dealt, the last round of betting commences-it's called the Showdown. This is the last chance for bluffers to try and over bet their hands to get opponents to fold.
Once the round completes, the game is over and the winning player(s) take the pot. The poker room keeps a small percentage, known as the Rake, for their services.
Hand Ranking
Now that you know how the game operates, you need to know how the hands rank. Here's a description of each possible hand outcome, ranked from lowest to highest.
High Card: This is a hand that failed to make a higher combination. Your highest card (IE a King) is your ranking. To win, all remaining players must have High Card hands and have a high card that's equal to or lower than yours.
One Pair: As the name implies, this hand has two cards of the same rank. If, for example, you have a pair of Kings and another player has a pair of Kings, whoever has the next highest card (IE Ace) wins.
Two Pair: Simply put, it's two cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. An example would be a pair of Kings and a pair of Eights.
Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank-three Kings.
Straight: Five cards in sequence, like two, three, four, five and six. The suits of the cards do not matter. An Ace can be used as a one (A, 2, 3, 4, 5) or after the King (10, J, Q, K, A). In the event of a tie, the straight with the highest card wins-so (10, J, Q, K, A beats 9, 10, J, Q, K).
Flush: Five cards of the same suit (clubs, diamonds, hearts or spades). Again, the flush with the highest card wins in the event of a tie.
Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. Same thing as before, highest cards win (KKK-77 beats QQQ-JJ).
Four of a Kind: Four cards of one rank. Highest cards win in the event of a tie.
Straight Flush: The same as a flush, but all the cards are in sequential order. For example: 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Royal Flush: The granddaddy of all cards. All cards must be the same suit and they must be: 10, J, Q, K, A. It's the hardest hand in all of cards to get, but it sure feels great when you land one. This hand can not be beat, because it's not only the highest ranked hand, but all royal flushes are equal in hand rank.
The Lingo
To fit in, you need to know the lingo. Here's a quick and handy list to some poker room lingo.
Bad beat: You'll hear this a lot. This is when a player loses a hand that should have won. In other words, someone else got extremely lucky and defied all odds.
Boat: A full house.
Bullets: Pair of Aces.
Bump: Raise the bet.
Calling Station: Someone who is basically a weaker player and sits in all hands. Most new players are calling stations.
Gutshot Straight: This is when you have a possible straight and need a card in the middle. For example, you have 2, 3, 5, 6 and need a 4 for the straight.
Heads-Up: Playing against one other player.
Nuts: If you have the nuts, you have the best possible hand.
Quads: Four of a kind.
Runner-Runner: If you need a runner-runner, you need the turn and river cards to be the right ones to complete your hand. For example, you have a possible straight (2,3,4) after the flop. You would need a runner-runner (5,6 or A,5) to complete your straight-and possibly win.
Tilt: Players who tilt, go on-tilt and so forth are playing emotionally and prone to bad play. Trying to set your opponents on tilt is one objective in poker.
Trips: Three of a kind. This can also be called a "Set", but most people use Trips.
Closing Thoughts
OK, you have some of the basics down for game operation-great. However, don't run out and think you are ready to be a poker champion just yet. There's a lot more to learn, not just about the game in general, but how to play it properly. If you don't take the time to learn some basics, you will have your money ripped from your clutching grip faster than you can say all-in.
Whether you are playing online or in the real world, always play with proper etiquette. If you watch television, you need to understand that not all players play with the proper decorum. Also, some players know each other really well and tend to jaw back and forth. That's fine for them, but not for you-unless you know the person well. Take a look at some top players like Doyle Brunson and Howard Ledbedder to see how true professional poker players act at the table. Now, get some chips and have some fun!
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