Elizabeth Hall | February 21, 2023 | Updated on: March 22nd, 2023
Online poker is a virtual version of the traditional game of poker that can be played over the internet. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing Aussie players to enjoy the game from the comfort of their own homes. Online poker can be played on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, making it accessible to players from all around the world.
To play online poker, players usually need to register an account with an online poker site or platform. They can then choose from a variety of poker variants, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. Players can either participate in cash games, where they play for real money, or in tournaments, where they compete against other players for a prize pool.
Best Australian Poker Casinos 2023
Best Online Poker Variants
Online poker is a popular form of the game that has seen tremendous growth in recent years. There are many variants of online poker available, each with its own unique set of rules and gameplay. Here are some of the most popular online poker variants:
- Texas Hold’em: This is the most popular online poker variant. Players are dealt two-hole cards and use them in combination with five community cards to make the best possible five-card hand.
- Omaha: In Omaha, players are dealt four-hole cards instead of two. However, they must use exactly two of their hole cards and three of the community cards to make the best possible five-card hand.
- Seven Card Stud: In this variant, each player is dealt seven cards, three face down and four face up. Players must use the best five-card combination to win the pot.
- Razz: This is a lowball variant of seven-card stud, where the goal is to make the lowest possible hand.
- 5-Card Draw: In this variant, players are dealt five cards face down and then have the opportunity to exchange any number of them for new ones in an attempt to make the best possible hand.
- Pot-Limit Omaha: This is similar to Omaha, but with the added rule that players can only bet up to the size of the pot.
- Badugi: This is a four-card lowball game where the goal is to make the lowest possible hand, with the added twist that players must have four different suits in their hand.
These are just a few of the many online poker variants available. Each variant has its own set of rules and strategies, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before playing.
Poker Betting Structure
Poker betting structure refers to the rules governing the amounts that players can bet or raise during a game. There are several types of betting structures used in different variants of poker, including:
- No-Limit: In this betting structure, players can bet or raise any amount, up to the total amount of chips they have in front of them.
- Pot-Limit: In pot-limit poker, players can bet or raise up to the current size of the pot.
- Fixed-Limit: In fixed-limit poker, there are fixed limits on the amount that players can bet or raise during each round of betting. For example, in a $2/$4 game, players can bet or raise $2 during the first two rounds of betting and $4 during the last two rounds.
- Spread-Limit: In this betting structure, there is a range of allowable bets and raises, usually defined by a minimum and maximum bet size. For example, in a $2-$6 spread-limit game, players can bet or raise anywhere between $2 and $6.
The choice of betting structure can have a significant impact on the strategy and gameplay of a poker game. No-limit poker, for example, tends to be more aggressive and high-variance, with players often going all-in with big hands. Fixed-limit games, on the other hand, require a more measured approach, as players are limited in the amount they can bet or raise.
It’s important to understand the betting structure of the poker game you’re playing, as well as any specific rules or variations that may apply, in order to make the best decisions and maximize your chances of winning.
Poker Online Hand Rankings
In poker, the ranking of hands from highest to lowest determines the winner of each hand. Here are the standard hand rankings used in most variants of poker:
Royal Flush
This is the highest-ranking hand in poker, consisting of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit.
Straight Flush
This is a five-card sequence of the same suit, such as 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 of clubs.
Four of a Kind
This hand consists of four cards of the same rank, such as four Aces.
Full House
A full house consists of three cards of the same rank plus a pair, such as three Kings and two Fives.
Flush
A flush is any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
Straight
A straight is a sequence of five cards in any suit, such as 9, 8, 7, 6, 5.
Three of a Kind
This hand consists of three cards of the same rank, such as three Queens.
Two Pair
A two pair hand contains two cards of the same rank plus another two cards of a different rank, such as two Jacks and two Nines.
Pair
A pair is any two cards of the same rank, such as two Aces.
High Card
If no player has any of the above hands, the winner is determined by the highest-ranking card in their hand.
These hand rankings apply to most variants of poker, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these hand rankings before playing, as they determine the winner of each hand and the overall outcome of the game.
Poker Table Size
The size of a poker table can vary depending on the number of players and the type of game being played. Here are some common table sizes for different types of poker games:
- Full Ring Tables: Full ring tables are typically used for games such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha. These tables have nine or ten seats, with a dealer position in the middle. The table size for a full ring game is usually around 8 feet long and 4 feet wide.
- Six-Max Tables: Six-max tables are used for games with fewer players, such as short-handed Texas Hold’em or Pot-Limit Omaha. These tables have six seats, with a dealer position in the middle. The table size for a six-max game is usually around 6 feet long and 3 feet wide.
- Heads-Up Tables: Heads-up tables are used for one-on-one games, such as heads-up Texas Hold’em or Sit and Go tournaments. These tables have only two seats, with each player sitting across from each other. The table size for a heads-up game is usually around 4 feet long and 2.5 feet wide.
It’s important to choose the right table size for the number of players and type of game you’re playing in order to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players. In addition, the size of the table can also affect the speed of the game and the overall strategy used by players.
Online Poker Games for Beginners
If you’re new to online poker, it’s important to start with games that are suitable for beginners. Here are some online poker games that are great for beginners:
- No-Limit Texas Hold’em: This is the most popular form of online poker and is often recommended for beginners. It’s a relatively simple game to learn and there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
- Pot-Limit Omaha: Pot-Limit Omaha is another popular variant of online poker. It’s similar to Texas Hold’em, but with four hole cards instead of two. The gameplay can be more complex, but it’s still a great game for beginners to learn.
- Seven-Card Stud: Seven-Card Stud is an older variant of poker that was popular before Texas Hold’em became dominant. It’s a bit more complex than Hold’em, but it can be a fun and challenging game to learn.
- Five-Card Draw: Five-Card Draw is a classic form of poker that is relatively simple and easy to learn. It’s a good game for beginners who want to get a feel for how poker works.
- Sit-and-Go Tournaments: Sit-and-Go tournaments are smaller-scale tournaments that typically have fewer players and a shorter duration. They’re a good way for beginners to get a taste of tournament-style poker without committing to a long and complex event.
No matter which game you choose to play, make sure to start with low stakes and take your time learning the rules and strategies. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek out resources to help you improve your game. With practice and patience, you can become a successful online poker player.
Online Poker Variants FAQs
The most popular online poker variants are No-Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. These games have the largest player bases and the most frequent tournaments and cash games.
Choosing the right online poker variant depends on your personal preferences and skill level. If you’re new to poker, it’s best to start with a simple game like No-Limit Texas Hold’em. If you prefer more action and complex strategy, Pot-Limit Omaha or Seven-Card Stud may be more suitable.
No-Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha are both great choices for beginners. They’re relatively easy to learn and have a large player base, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice and improve.
Yes, most online poker sites offer a variety of different games and allow you to switch between them as you please. This can be a great way to keep your poker experience fresh and to learn new strategies and techniques.
Yes, it’s possible to win real money playing online poker variants. However, it’s important to remember that poker is a game of skill, and success depends on your knowledge, experience, and strategy. Make sure to start with low stakes and take your time learning the game before playing for real money.
The legality of online poker varies by jurisdiction. In some countries, online poker is completely legal and regulated, while in others it is illegal or unregulated. It’s important to research the laws in your specific location to ensure that you are playing online poker legally.
To improve your online poker skills, you can study poker strategy, watch videos of professional players, and participate in online forums and communities. It’s also important to practice regularly and to track your progress over time.
Playing online poker can be safe if you choose a reputable poker site and take necessary precautions to protect your personal and financial information. Make sure to use strong passwords, avoid sharing your login information with others, and only play on secure and licensed sites.