Poker Rules Guide

Poker in all its variants has a number of rules that remain constant. These can be either written poker rules considered laws of the game or unwritten poker rules - generally accepted game etiquette. If you learn the basics, you will first and foremost enjoy your poker experience more, but secondly you will have a better chance of becoming successful. These are just some of the basic poker rules you will need in order to play poker but for more localised poker rules you can visit our individual Poker Games:

The Cards

All of the recognized poker variants play with a single deck of cards. Its important that these cards are free of folds or distinguishable marks. A "marked card" is useless in poker as it gives players an unfair advantage (obviously not relevant to online poker). When dealing the cards, either individual players or a separate dealer, these will always be delivered in a clockwise motion

Poker Hands

Across the poker games, you will invariably hold your own cards considered your Poker Hand. The aim of the game is to make yours the best hand around the table. Essentially there are two ways of achieving this. The first is to actually have the best hand, determined by set hand hierarchy. This poker rule states that the highest ranked hand will win the pot. The second way is to make people think you have the best hand. bluffing your way to pot victory can be dangerous but to be a success, this is vital.

The poker rules of Check, Bet & Fold

What do you do when its your turn? The poker rules of Check, Bet & Fold

If you're first to go or nobody has bet before you then there are two options:

1.Check, meaning you don't bet any more chips and pass to the next person.

2.Bet, you will put some chips in the middle and set the standard for the following players.

If you are not the first, you have three options:-

1.Fold, you don't want to match the previous players bet and hand over your cards.

2. Call/Check If somebody has bet then you can call which simply means matching the chips put in. Or you Check if no bets have been met previously.

3.Raise You match any previous bets and and then increase it with more chips.

Poker Rules Concerning Buy-In

Most poker rooms will have a buy-in. This is generally set at a minimum ten times the value of the maximum bet. For example, if the maximum bet is $10, then you need to buy in with at least $100. You may then buy more chips in any quantity you wish throughout the game.

When it comes to online casinos it is much easier to regulate the buy-in. However, in land-based games and private games players need to watch out for other players who do not put the correct amount of chips in when placing a bet. This is not easy to monitor when a player just throws chips into the middle of the table.

Poker Rules Concerning Dead Cards

This does not happen often, but sometimes a player will do something which will cause their cards to become "dead". In essence, this means that you are out of the hand. You just have to concentrate all the time and you will be fine.

This generally occurs when a player plays out of turn. This can refer to folding, betting, or raising out of turn. Playing out of turn means that you are making your intentions known before the right time and this can mess with the dynamics of the game.

When it comes to certain versions of poker rules where you have some cards face up and some face down, exposing your face up cards or turning your face up cards to face down will also render your hand dead.

It could also happen that a misdeal is called if the dealer deals the cards in the incorrect order or if the wrong amount of cards is dealt. Sometimes the dealer will deal the cards too quickly and this can lead to a card landing face up. The same applies to when a player folds. If your cards are exposed then this could end up benefiting another player at the table.

If a player at the table sees another player's cards, then it is considered good sport to share this with the rest of the table. This will equal out the advantage.

The Showdown

This is the final play of the game where players have to show their hands. In poker rules if you think you have a winning hand then you have to show all your cards face up. You are also not permitted to lie about what you have in order to make another player fold. This is not a set rule, but it is considered very bad protocol and in some cases a player can be banned from taking further part in the game.

The more you play, the easier the rules will become. Although there are many poker rules, most rules are consistent and you will also find that many of these rules are based on basic common sense and good etiquette. If you wish to read up on the more intricate poker rules or rules that pertain more to the poker that you play then you can find many interesting articles online.

Chip leatherby is the main author for [http://www.poker-shark.co.uk] With years of experience with poker, Chip has now decided to share his knowledge to help people of all skill levels with their game.

Chip's unique tips and tournament reviews can be viewed anytime at Poker Shark.