Poker is one of the world’s most popular card games, and in 2021, it’s never been more accessible or easier to play thanks to online poker platforms and pro players streaming their games on Twitch.
A decade ago, if you wanted to play poker games, you’d need to take a trip to the casino or get invited to home games. Nowadays, however, all you need to access a huge array of poker games is a connected device.
With so many gaming options available, it is easy to become overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve created this concise guide to getting started with online poker, including what you need to look for in a gaming platform and the game variants you should begin with.
What to Look For in a Platform
First, you should only play real money poker on a registered and reputable gaming platform. While free-to-play poker gaming apps and online games are widely available, the only way you can ensure your financial details will be protected is to play with an operator that’s well-recognized.
The simplest way to find high-quality gaming platforms is to check out reviews from the online gaming community. Poker fans aren’t shy about expressing their views on the game selection, security, player experiences, customer service, and bonus offers of a particular gaming platform, so review sites are a great place to start.
Security is paramount in gaming online. Luckily, it’s as easy as glancing at your browser’s address bar to check if a gaming site is secure or not. The URLs of secure sites starts with https, so don’t even think about entering your personal details into a platform without this vital security layer.
It’s also important to look for a valid gaming license on any sites you’re considering joining. Licenses awarded by gaming bodies like the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, or in the case of US sites, the individual state’s gaming control board prove that a platform is safe to use and operates fair, randomized-outcome games.
The Best Games for Beginners
Just like poker in the “real world” there are lots of different poker variants available to play online. Some of them are played the world over, by everyone from poker novices to elite players, while others are still relatively obscure.
Texas Hold’em is arguably the world’s most popular variant and one of the easiest for beginners to learn. Meanwhile, Omaha Hi and Hi-Lo variants share many similarities with Hold’em poker but are much more action-packed. Then there are more rare variants like Razz, which is a low-hand game, and Badugi, as well as vintage variants like Seven-Card Stud and Five-Card Stud.
Being a digital game, all popular online poker variants can also be played in different formats, from cash games to online tournaments. There’s also Play Money poker, which is a great way to learn the mechanics of the game without having to spend any real money, fast-fold poker, and sit & go tournaments.
Online Poker Bonuses
As much as there’s a variety of different games and gaming platforms to choose from when playing online poker, there’s also a wealth of online poker bonuses. As a beginner, it’s important to read the small print of any poker bonus that you might be tempted to use. Some bonuses require you to make a deposit or have specific wagering requirements that you’ll need to meet before you can withdraw cash.
The most common types of bonuses are sign-up bonuses, which reward players with cash back or free entry to cash games or tournaments when they join a specific platform. As a part of their marketing strategy, platforms also offer daily, weekly, and monthly promotions to registered players, which provide added value when playing a new variant, for example, or wagering a certain amount per month.
Of course, one of the best bonuses for new players to online poker happens before you even make your first deposit. Many platforms offer free games upon joining so that you can get a feel for the type of games that are available beforehand.
