Learn to Play Poker Online: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

What should I do in my free time?

A question that everyone faces every now or then; and mobile become the best friend when it comes to enjoying the breaks. But how about if you can make money in your free time by enjoying card games like Poker?

Stop scrolling and let your free time give you a Boom! Yes, we are talking about the real money-earning games that you can play in India. Learn poker online and let your skills reward you with massive cash rewards like never before.

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Play Poker Online In India

Playing Poker in India on mobile in your free time is a favourite activity of millions, it’s a game that tests your skills and can reward you with massive cash winnings.

Don’t worry if you are new to poker, Learn to play poker online with the Big Cash, and ace the tricks and tips for a good game ahead. At Big Cash, you get to play other card games as well. Mark your favourite games and play with millions of other players to facilitate your learning and improve your skills.

Played with a standard 52 deck of cards, poker is a very thrilling and powerful game. Without proper skill and understanding, playing poker can be a rough experience. So we are here to explain the much known and popular game Poker at a very basic and beginner level.

Gameplay of Online Poker

1- Understanding the Basics:

• Poker is a card game played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The goal is to win chips or money by forming the best hand or forcing your opponents to fold.
• Hands are ranked from highest to lowest: Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, High Card.

2- The Setup:

• Decide on the variant of poker you want to play (Texas Hold’em is a popular choice for beginners).

A) Hole Cards:

• Hole cards, also known as pocket cards, are the private cards dealt to each player at the beginning of a hand in Texas Hold’em and some other variants.
• In Texas Hold’em, each player receives two hole cards dealt face down. These cards are not visible to other players at the table.
• Players use their hole cards in combination with the community cards (shared cards) on the table to form the best possible five-card hand.
• Hole cards provide players with unique information about their potential hands, and players must use strategy and skill to maximise their chances of winning based on these private cards.

B) Community Cards:

• Community cards are shared cards dealt face up on the table that all players can use to form their hands.
• In Texas Hold’em, there are five community cards dealt in total: three during the flop, one during the turn, and one during the river.
• The community cards are dealt progressively throughout the hand, allowing players to assess their hands and make betting decisions based on the information revealed by these shared cards.
• Community cards are crucial in determining the winning hand in a showdown, as players combine their hole cards with the best combination of community cards to form their final hands.

3- Rounds of Betting:

A) Preflop:

• This is the initial stage of the hand, before any community cards are dealt.
• Each player is dealt two private cards face down, known as hole cards.
• The player to the left of the dealer button (the small blind) and the next player (the big blind) must post forced bets before receiving cards. These blinds ensure there’s money in the pot to start the betting.
• Players then have the following options:
  • Fold: Discard their hand and forfeit any bets they’ve already made.
  • Call: Match the amount of the big blind.
  • Raise: Increase the bet amount.
  • Check (if no raise): Pass the action to the next player without betting any additional chips.

B) Flop:

• After the preflop betting round, the dealer places three community cards face up on the table. This set of cards is called the flop.
• These cards are shared by all players and can be used in combination with their hole cards to form the best five-card hand.
• Another round of betting occurs starting with the player to the left of the dealer button.

C) Turn:

• Once the flop betting round is complete, the dealer places a fourth community card face up on the table. This card is called the turn or fourth street.
• Players can now use their two hole cards and the four community cards on the table to create the best possible hand.
• Another betting round follows the turn card.

D) River:

• After the turn betting round concludes, the dealer places the fifth and final community card face up on the table. This card is called the river or fifth street.
• With all five community cards now visible, players have a complete set of information to form their best hand.
• The final round of betting takes place, and if multiple players remain after this round, a showdown occurs where players reveal their hole cards to determine the winner based on hand rankings.

These stages – preflop, flop, turn, and river – are fundamental to the flow of a Texas Hold’em hand. They provide opportunities for players to assess their hands, make strategic decisions, and build their betting strategies based on the evolving information available from the community cards.

4- Hands in Poker:

1- Royal Flush

A royal flush is the best hand in a poker card game. It includes five consecutive cards from the same suit. They would value from 10 through to ace. I e- Ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace.

2- Straight Flush

• A Straight Flush consists of any five cards of the same suit in numerical order.
• Five consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 8, 9, 10, J, Q of hearts).
• A straight flush ranks just below a royal flush.

3- Four of a kind

• The four same rank cards from any of the four suits are called four of a kind or quads.
• The fifth card would be completed by the highest one from the others on the table.
• If two players have four of a kind, the one with the higher set of four cards wins.

4- Full House

Three cards of the same rank from different suits and a different pair of same rank cards in two different suits in one hand is called full House. They are also known as boats, tight, or full boats. If more than one player has a full house, then the one with the highest value three of a kind would win the game.

5- Flush

• When you get five cards from the same suit but in no certain order. It is a situation when more than one player has a flush, the one with the highest value card would win the game.
• Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence (e.g., 2, 5, 7, 9, K of clubs).
• If multiple players have a flush, the one with the highest-ranked card wins, and if necessary, the next highest cards are compared.

6- Straight

• When the player gets five consecutive ranking cards with more than one suit in numerical order, the ace would be ranked as a low, or high but not at the same time in one hand.
• Five consecutive cards of different suits (e.g., 4 of hearts, 5 of diamonds, 6 of spades, 7 of clubs, 8 of hearts).
• In case of a tie, the straight with the highest top card wins. If two straights have the same top card, it’s a split pot.

7. Three of a Kind (Set or Trips):

• Three cards of the same rank (e.g., three Jacks).
• If multiple players have three of a kind, the one with the higher set wins.

8. Two Pair:

• Two sets of two cards of the same rank (e.g., two Kings and two Fours).
• If multiple players have two pairs, the player with the highest pair wins. If tied, the second pair determines the winner. If still tied, the highest fifth card (kicker) wins.

9. One Pair:

• Two cards of the same rank (e.g., two Aces).
• If multiple players have one pair, the one with the highest pair wins. If pairs are equal, kickers come into play.

10. High Card (No Pair):

• If no player has any of the above hands, the highest card in their hand determines their ranking.
• If multiple players have the same high card, the next highest cards (kickers) are compared until a winner is determined.

5. Showdown:

• Final Betting Round: Before reaching the showdown, there must be at least two players remaining in the hand after the final betting round (river).
• Reveal Hole Cards: Once the final betting round concludes, all remaining players must reveal their hole cards to the table. Players can choose to show their cards voluntarily or muck (discard without showing) if they believe they have a losing hand.
• Compare Hands: After all hole cards are revealed, the dealer or players themselves compare hands to determine the winner. The player with the highest-ranking hand based on the standard hand rankings wins the pot.

6- Determining the Winner:

• If one player has a hand that ranks higher than all others, they win the entire pot.
• If two or more players have hands of the same rank (e.g., two players with a pair of Aces), the pot is split evenly among them. This is known as a split pot.
• If multiple players have strong hands (e.g., full houses, flushes), the one with the highest-ranked cards within that hand wins. For example, in a showdown between two full houses, the one with the higher-ranking three-of-a-kind wins.
• In cases where players have identical hands (including kickers), the pot is split evenly among them.
• Awarding the Pot: Once the winning hand is determined, the pot is awarded to the winning player or split among winners in a split pot scenario. The dealer then collects the cards, and a new hand begins.

7. Dealer Button and Blinds:

• The dealer button rotates clockwise after each hand, determining the order of dealing and betting.
• Two players to the left of the dealer post the small blind and big blind before each hand, ensuring there’s money in the pot to start.

8. Winning the Pot:

• Players can win the pot by having the best hand at showdown or by making all other players fold.
• In case of a tie, the pot is split equally among the winning hands.

9. Betting Limits:

Texas Hold’em can be played with various betting structures, including No-Limit (where players can bet any amount), Limit (with set betting limits), and Pot-Limit (where bets are limited to the size of the pot).

How to Play Poker on Big Cash?

Let your poker journey begin just in a few steps!

• Download the Big Cash app on your smartphone by visiting the official website – https://www.bigcash.live/
• Start by entering your phone number and instantly you will receive the link.
• Use the same link and download the app.
• If you use iOS then you can download the Big Cash app by visiting the app store.
• You can sign up on the app using Google or Facebook to play and learn poker online.
• Select the poker game and start playing.

It is a simple game with simple rules and anyone can have their say on the game. Go for the cash tournaments if you are already familiar with the game, or else learn to play poker online by playing a free game provided on the app and have good gameplay with your skills.

Isn’t this incredible? You can play cash tournaments of your favourite game just by sitting at your home! And also, learn poker by playing practice tournaments. This will lead to a great time pass and imbibing the gaming skills that you want to acquire.

So, start playing now only on BIG CASH. Huge winnings await on the best-ever gaming platform out there!

Learn How to Play Poker Online at Big Cash

Here are the basic rules that you need to learn about poker online. So, quickly walk through them and start playing without any further ado! Let’s begin.

• The main objective of the game is to have the strongest five-card hand, or observe others and try to figure out which cards your opponent is holding.
• Once the game starts, the Dealer on the Big Cash app shuffles the cards. Since it is an RNG-certified game, cards are shuffled and distributed randomly every single time.
• After that whoever is sitting on the left side of the dealer will place the first amount which is called a small blind. Then the next player puts the 2x of small blind known as big blind. Anyone randomly can be that person to start the game since anyone can sit on the left side of the dealer. This is usually decided randomly by the game itself.
• In the first round which is also called pre-flop round, you have three choices to make: raise, call, or fold. Raise means increasing the blind/amount, call means matching the blind/amount, and fold means quitting the current round.
• In the rounds after pre-flop every active player gets four choices: raise, call, fold, or check. Check means passing the action to another player without putting any amount.
• If it’s your turn to match the amount, you have the privilege to fold at any time in the game.
• After the flop, there are two more rounds called turn and river in which one more card will be showcased on the table. In the end, the showdown happens.
• In the showdown, every player left on the table who has not folded has to reveal their cards.
• The game winner will be announced based on the highest hand at the end of the game.

Also Read: Poker tips and strategies to win the game.

How To Manage Stakes In Poker?

Whenever it’s your turn to play, then take action by doing one of the following things.

CALL: You have the options to match the highest amount which is made at the table.

RAISE: Increasing the current stake amount. If you raise the amount while another player has already raised it is called re-raise. There would be a situation known as “check-raise” when the same player checks and then also raise in a round.

FOLD: When you do not want to play a round, you can FOLD to forfeit that round. you can join the game in the next round. If you think you do not have relevant cards to win the game you can fold your hand.

CHECK: When the amount is matched and any user doesn’t want to raise it any more, the user checks for the round to proceed. Users can still raise later in the round. This generally means you are passing up the chance in the current round. Then, wait for your turn. You can only use this option when there are no open stakes or raises.

Type of Poker Games to Start With

1. Texas Hold’em:

This is the most widely played variant, both in casinos and online. Players are dealt two hole cards and use them in combination with five community cards to make the best possible five-card hand. Texas Hold’em has different betting structures, including No-Limit, Limit, and Pot-Limit.

2. Omaha:

Similar to Texas Hold’em, players receive four-hole cards in Omaha. However, they must use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards to form their hand. Omaha is known for its action-packed gameplay and high-stakes pots.

3. Seven Card Stud:

In Seven Card Stud, players receive a mix of face-up and face-down cards over several rounds of betting. The goal is to make the best five-card hand using a combination of hole and community cards. Stud variants include Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo (Eight or Better), where the pot is split between the best high hand and the best low hand (if one qualifies).

4. Razz:

Razz is a lowball variant of Seven Card Stud where the lowest hand wins. Straights and flushes don’t count, and the best hand is A-2-3-4-5 (the wheel). Razz is played with the same betting structures as Seven Card Stud.

5. Five Card Draw:

In Five Card Draw, players receive five private cards (hole cards) and can discard and draw new cards in an attempt to improve their hand. It’s a straightforward form of poker often played casually or in home games.

6. Chinese Poker:

Chinese Poker is a unique variant where players receive 13 cards and must arrange them into three separate hands (two five-card hands and one three-card hand). Players compare hands with opponents, and scoring is based on winning two out of three hands.

7. Pineapple Poker:

Pineapple is similar to Texas Hold’em, but players receive three-hole cards instead of two. Before the flop, players must discard one of their hole cards, making strategic decisions more challenging.

8. Short Deck (Six Plus Hold’em):

Short Deck is a variation of Texas Hold’em played with a reduced deck (usually 36 cards, removing cards below 6). The hand rankings are adjusted due to the reduced deck, with flushes beating full houses and A-6-7-8-9 becoming straight.

Poker Strategies for Beginners to Win the Game

• Start with strong hands (e.g., high pairs, suited connectors) and be cautious with weaker hands.
• Play tight and only enter pots with strong starting hands like high pairs (e.g., Aces, Kings), suited connectors (e.g., 10-9 suited), and high-value cards (e.g., Ace-King).
•  Avoid playing weak hands like low pairs, low connectors, and unconnected cards of different suits.
• Use your position at the table to your advantage. Play more aggressively in a late position (near the dealer button) since you have more information about opponents’ actions.
• Be more cautious in an early position (near the blinds) since you act before most other players and have less information.
• Learn how to calculate pot odds to determine if it’s profitable to call a bet based on the size of the pot and the cost of the call.
•  Make informed decisions based on pot odds, especially when drawing to a hand (e.g., a flush or straight).
• Pay attention to betting patterns, body language, and tendencies of your opponents. Look for betting tips that can help you assess the strength of their hands.
•  Adjust your strategy based on your observations. For example, exploit aggressive players by trapping them with strong hands, or bluff against tight players.
• Use bluffing sparingly and strategically to represent a strong hand when you have a weak one. Bluff when the situation warrants it, such as when you have a good read on your opponents.
•  Semi-bluff with drawing hands (like a flush or straight draw) to add value to your bets. This gives you multiple ways to win the pot: by making your hand or forcing opponents to fold.
• Manage your bankroll wisely by setting limits on how much you’re willing to risk in a session or on a single hand.
• Avoid going on tilt (making emotional decisions after losing) by staying disciplined and sticking to your strategy.
• Study and improve your poker skills by reading books, watching tutorials, and analysing hands.
• Review your own gameplay to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. Use tracking software or apps to track your performance and statistics.
• Be adaptable and adjust your strategy based on the table dynamics, opponents’ styles, and changing situations during a game.
• Avoid being predictable. Mix up your play with a combination of aggressive and passive moves to keep opponents guessing.
• Pay attention to your opponents’ actions and betting patterns.
• Manage your bankroll wisely and avoid going all-in unnecessarily.
• Practise good bankroll management and understand pot odds and implied odds.
• Practice playing free poker games online to gain experience.
•  Watch tutorials and read books/articles to improve your understanding.
•  Analyze your gameplay and learn from your mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is poker?

Poker is a card game that involves betting and strategy. Players compete to have the best hand or to make opponents fold.

2. How do I win at poker?

To win, aim to have the best hand or make strategic bets that force opponents to fold. Understanding hand rankings, betting strategies, and reading opponents are key.

3. What are the basic hand rankings?

Hand rankings, from highest to lowest, are: Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, High Card.

4. What is Texas Hold’em?

Texas Hold’em is a popular variant where players receive two private cards (hole cards) and share five community cards to make the best hand. It includes betting rounds: Preflop, Flop, Turn, and River.

5. How do I improve my poker skills?

Practice regularly, study hand rankings and strategies, watch tutorials, read books/articles, and analyze your gameplay to identify areas for improvement.

6. What are “blinds” in poker?

Blinds are forced bets that players must post before receiving cards. The small blind is usually half the minimum bet, and the big blind is the full minimum bet.

7. What is a “pot” in poker?

The pot is the total amount of chips or money wagered in a hand. The winner(s) of the hand receive the pot.

8. Can I play poker online?

Yes, there are many online poker platforms where you can play against other players for real money or play money.

9. What is a “showdown”?

A showdown occurs at the end of a hand when remaining players reveal their cards to determine the winner(s) based on hand rankings.

10. Is poker a game of luck or skill?

Poker is a combination of luck and skill. While luck plays a role in the cards you’re dealt, skillful play, strategy, and decision-making can significantly impact your results in the long run.

11- How to be an expert in poker online games?

• Be selective with your starting hands, do not stake a lot, or really less, because it might make other players suspicious of your cards.
• Have a value set and be strong with your decisions. Even if you are tempted to increase the value of your game, be very precise so as not to give in to your temptations.
• You should know how to defend your big blinds in the game. Once you know how to do this, you will have more chances to win.

12- Which is the easiest poker variant to learn?

When you learn to play poker online, start with the Texas Hold’em variant which could be easy for you to begin with. There are other variants that can be played to master the skill of poker such as Seven Card Stud, Omaha, five card draw, hi-low.

13- Is it easy to learn poker online?

Definitely, anyone can ace the game with their skills. But, you need to start with the practice tournaments and games that could not make you get demotivated at the very start. If you are really passionate about the game, it would not take more than 10 minutes to understand the basic rules and guidelines of the game. So, get started now and win big.
However, mastering the game takes time. To master a poker game you need to practice on a daily basis by playing the game.

14- Can I win money by playing poker online?

Absolutely yes! Play poker on the Big Cash app now, and win real cash. Participate in various contests and get rewarded. Also, the game combines all the skills and abilities which could be really beneficial for you in the gaming journey as well as the day to day life.