What is Poker?

In poker each player gets a number of cards where after it is time to convince the other players that you have or will have the best combination of cards. The convincing is made by putting your money where your mouth is.

Not Just A Game, Nor One Game

Poker isn't just a game. Perhaps you have encountered poker players that are so passionate about poker that it becomes unfair labeling it as "just a game". Anyway poker is distinguished from many other games for reasons implied in the first paragraph. The aim of the game is not solely getting the best hand. If that would be the case then poker would be a game of chance. As it is now skill will win you money.

Neither is poker one game. Rather, poker is a group of related games with a number of elements in common such as hand rankings, betting, bluffing and a few other things too. Poker has been described as a game of money played with cards. Although this saying might be a bit bold, it does capture the fact that: poker is wagering, with the cards constituting the odds.

The Most Distinguishing Characteristic of Poker

Poker is different than all other casino games because you are playing against the other players, not the house. The casino does not make their money based on what you lose. Instead the casino/poker room takes a fee for supplying you with the game. All other casino games have rules that ensure the casino a mathematical advantage over the player. In poker, all is fair and square. You are competing against the other players and you are all governed by the same basic conditions.

Poker in the Bigger Picture

Playing against other people requires knowledge about people. With this latest addition it has been, so far, suggested that poker is a game of people as well as a game of odds, courage, and deceitfulness. This means that a diversity of people with many different personalities can enjoy and be successful at poker.

Poker is many things. This article conveys the contour of poker but still it only touches the surface. Best wishes exploring further, poker has many levels and it is rewarding finding out more about them.

Lars Bengtsson is the editor of http://www.reviewed-online-poker.com which features reviews of the top poker rooms, interesting poker articles and a comprehensive poker school.

This article is part of the poker school at Reviewed Online Poker.