Poker is one of the most popular casino games, both online and in the casino. Top tournaments like the world series, movies, and poker-inspired video games, have made this game even more renowned, inspiring the development of different variants to meet the needs of the many fans.
Consequently, there is more than one poker game you can play, but only a few are best suited to a complete beginner.
When learning to play poker, position is an important strategic aspect to perfect. Being in position gives you a great advantage, allowing you to base your moves on your opponents' actions.
You can learn more about the importance of poker table positions at Tight Poker. In the meantime, here is a breakdown of the three most popular and easiest poker games for beginners.
1. Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold'em is by far the most popular poker variant and is present in all physical casinos and most online casinos. The game uses a standard 52-card deck and can be played by two to ten players. At the beginning of the game, the two players in the opening positions – to the dealer's left side – place blinds.
The dealer then deals them two hole cards, and the two players decide whether to fold, call, or raise. The betting then proceeds clockwise. After the first betting round, the dealer deals the flop, which involves placing three community cards on the table.
This is followed by two betting rounds (after the betting action) in which the dealer adds two community cards to the table – the turn and the river. A round of betting follows every added card. After the river, players reveal their cards, and the best 5-card combination wins the game.
2. Three Card Poker
Three-card is slightly different from standard poker variations in that you play against the dealer. This straightforward game is fun to play because you don't need advanced strategies to win. At the start of the game, you place an ante wager and then receive three cards dealt face down.
You look at your hand and decide whether or not to place a wager. If you fold, the dealer wins the ante. If you play the hand and wager, both you and the dealer turn over your cards. The best hand wins. As simple as that.
3. Razz
In Razz, the goal is to create the worst possible hand – so it is basically the opposite of traditional poker variants. The game begins with every player placing an ante and the player with the lowest card starting the betting action.
The dealer will deal the cards until everyone has seven, and every player can use five of these to make a losing hand. Because the lowest 5-card combination wins, Ace is one of the most powerful cards you can have in Razz.
The best winning hand is the wheel, which consists of A, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Razz is a great game for anyone looking for unique dynamics and simple gameplay.
Conclusion
Whatever your poker needs are, you cannot go wrong with these easy-to-learn poker variants. You can play the all-famous Texas Hold’em with your friends, try something unique but simple like Razz, or play a quick game of three-card poker with the dealer – it’s all fun and easy.
All you have to do now is pick your favorite and browse the strategy guides at Tight Poker to learn the rules before you hit the tables.
