Talking about poker is almost synonymous to the word casino. Being one of the most well-loved casino games, it is definitely at the top of any player’s list. On this page we will discuss the variety of online poker games available and give you a comprehensive list of online casino sites where you can find these games.
Canada is a very poker-friendly country. With the amount of online casino sites, you are sure to find the one that suits you. This following list includes the top casino sites with poker games online.
Nowadays, you can easily play a poker game online. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to both methods. Nonetheless, playing poker is always fun.
Live poker has been a staple in land-based casinos. Players deemed it softer on stakes. Next, playing it is much slower due to the human actions involved. One crucial difference is the physical read in live poker. It is actually a dealbreaker during intense rounds since it is all part of the strategy. You can also engage in multi-way pots. During live games, table image is as important as the bet sizes. Rake in and win rate are typically higher too.
On the other hand, online poker games are very versatile and convenient. Due to its fast-paced nature, players are often more aggressive in their playing style. Thus, having a lot of savvy and tough competitors online. You can do pre-flop plays and switch from table to table. Since it can cater to more audiences, events are bigger. There are many variations to choose from. The online scene provided it with a new flair overall while keeping its usual charm.
Below is a list of the standard poker hand rankings from strongest to weakest.
Ten-to-ace straight with all cards from the same suit
Five cards in a sequential order from the same suit
Four cards with the same number
Combination of Three of a Kind and One Pair
Five cards from the same suit
Five cards in sequential order from any suit
Three cards with the same number
Two different pairs
Two cards with the same number
Highest ranked card in hand with Ace being the highest
They are always relative to the dealer, small blind, and big blind. The small blind is always on the left of the dealer, while the big blind is to the left of the small blind. After every hand, these three shift one position to the left.
The game requires the blinds to pay the bet as this will be the basis for the pot.
Let’s take a look at the different positions in a 9-handed game.
The Under-the-Gun (UTG) is the player to the left of the big blind. The pre-flop betting round starts with them. After the UTG makes a move, the next to take action would be the player on the left.
This is the worst place to be on a table. You do not get any discount to enter the pot. Plus, players have a poor position post-flop.
The middle position consists of the Lojack and Hijack. Like the early positions, they play with a number of positions that act after them in each round.
Here, players can start to open a wider range of hands. Although they should still be cautious as there are still players left to act after pre-flop.
Lastly, we have the Cutoff and Button. The Button is the last to act in each round, giving it a huge advantage over other positions. This is because they have already seen what moves other players made. Making it easy for them to adjust their strategy accordingly.
There are different types of poker and each has its own rules, betting structures, and terms. Here's one example.
The goal is to make the best five-card hand using the hole and community cards.
To start, players get two hole cards which only they can see. Once all players have their hole cards, the pre-flop betting begins. All players will have the option to call, raise, or fold.
After betting, the dealer puts the first three of the community cards face-up, commonly known as the flop. Another round of betting commences, and after which each turn. Then, followed by another betting round until it draws the river.
After that, the last round of betting starts. The players then show their hole cards. The one with the best hand wins.
Before you start playing, it is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basic terms used in poker betting.
It is simply the money that players wager during the play of a hand.
Making a call means that you are matching the amount of the previous highest bet made. The betting round ends when all active players make equal amounts of bets.
This increases the size of the amount of the existing bet in the same betting round.
If there are no bets to call, a player can opt to check. This means the player bets nothing and passes the action to the next player. Checking indicates that a player does not wish to open but still keep their cards. They still have the right to call or raise later on in the same round if an opponent opens betting.
Folding is when a player discards his or her hand and forfeits the current pot. This usually means the player feels that there is no chance to get a better hand. Once a player folds, they are out of the current pot.
Here are some tips in order to maximise your enjoyment when playing online poker.
Properly understanding the concept of table image will take you further in this game. Your table image is your own and the other’s impression of you as a poker player. A good player knows that it works both ways. You also need to know the opponent’s table image and update it as they go deep with their plays. Players must be consistent with their gameplay. Nevertheless, when the time is right, surprise them and catch them off guard.
One rule of poker is to play with your head and not with your heart. You should take beatings lightly and move on quickly to the next round. A tilt is a state in which the player becomes emotional after losing their bet. More often, players become frustrated after others take a big pot. Clouded with emotions, they rush their next plays. Eventually, digging a bigger hole. One must play not only to win, but to enjoy as well.
“If it’s good enough to call, it’s good enough to raise with.” Players who excel in this game know when to pick up the pace and start to be more aggressive. Once you identify your opponents’ weaknesses, you can show some aggression to intimidate them and force them to make bad calls. Having said that, you have to adapt when there is another aggressive player on the table. You can either trap them with bluff or go head-to-head with them.
One of the most common pitfalls of novice poker players is when they don’t take advantage of their strong hands. As recommended, you can always do a fast play if you know that you have strong hands. In this way, you can deepen your equity. At the same time, you can stop your opponents and their momentum. When you realise you have a good hand, believe in it but never be complacent.
With your knowledge of the hand rankings, having a good strategy on what hand to play will always be essential. Also, you must carefully study your opponents from the moment you start working the table. As you already feel the whole table, it can open your mind on the plays each hand has. This will give you the needed advantage in beating other players on the table.
Aside from the technicalities, poker has unwritten formalities the players have to follow. All players uphold them as poker is a social game. Here are some of the poker etiquettes.
Never disrespect anyone; the dealer and all opponents, on the table. Always be polite.
Focus on playing and do not engage in other activities. Never waste anyone else’s time.
Angle shooting is never a good strategy. Winning fair and square is more rewarding.
Do not slow roll. Do not prolong rounds when you know you have already won.
Give others time to think. Do not call out the clock way too soon.
Arrogance has no place in poker. Stop announcing your play.
Celebrating a win is fine, but gloating is wrong. You do not have to rub in your opponents’ loss.
Stop yourself from talking if not necessary. Avoid distracting others at all costs.
Stop teaching others. This is an actual game, not a practice.
Here are some of the most asked questions about online poker.