Do you check, call, fold, or raise? This is a question thousands of people are asking themselves whether they are playing poker in a casino or online.
The poker boom over the past few years has made it one of the most popular “sports” on television right now. This has allowed the game to reach out to all age groups, including those not able to gamble yet. This has had an effect on the amount of players sitting at online tables. Though the sites do offer fake money play, it is the allure of playing with real money that draws players to the sites.
What is the draw to play poker for money? Sean Barnett, 19, of Moorpark College tried to explain why he plays for money. “It’s the excitement of being able to win a big amount of money, and the camaraderie you have with other players at the table.” With this boom in the poker world, prize pools for tournaments have grown to unbelievable proportions. In the last few years the World Series of Poker Main Event, the holy grail of all poker tournaments has yielded prize pools well into the millions.
If you want to get started on playing poker, here are the basic rules for you of Texas Hold’em. Every player is dealt two “hole” cards, which you and only you are allowed to see. After a round of betting, the “flop” is dealt in the middle of the table. These are three cards dealt face up on the table for everyone to see. After another round of betting, the “turn” or fourth card is dealt face up on the table next to the “flop.” With another round of betting, the “river” or final card is dealt face up on the table. Now, if you are still in the hand at this point, you have seven cards total, five cards on the table and two in your hand, you must choose the best five of these cards, and the person with the best hand wins the pot.
So if you want to get started on playing poker, read a book, ask friends to teach you, or play with some of the fake money that websites offer. When you feel comfortable enough perhaps you can test your luck with real money, and who knows maybe you will be one of those millionaires.
