How to Play Poker? | Setup, Rules, Hands & Strategies

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Poker is a game of strategy, skill, and decision-making that has captivated players for generations. Whether played casually among friends or competitively online, understanding the basics is essential for success.

This comprehensive guide explores how to play poker, from setting up the table and learning the rules to mastering hand rankings and beginner-friendly strategies.

Ideal for newcomers in the UK, it provides all the information needed to play confidently and improve steadily in this exciting and mentally stimulating card game.

What Is Poker?

Poker is a strategic and competitive card game that combines elements of skill, chance, and psychological play. The core objective is to form the best five-card hand or use betting tactics to compel other players to fold.

While there are many poker variants, most follow a similar structure involving betting rounds, hand rankings, and the use of hole cards (private cards) and/or community cards.

In poker, players make calculated decisions based on their cards, the visible cards on the table (in games like Texas Hold’em), and their observations of opponents’ behaviour.

Unlike purely luck-based games, poker rewards long-term strategy, probability analysis, and emotional control.

Why Is It So Popular?

Poker’s popularity has surged over the past two decades, especially following the early 2000s online poker boom and televised events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP). In the UK, poker enjoys widespread appeal, both online and in land-based casinos.

What sets poker apart is its versatility; it can be played casually among friends or at high-stakes professional tournaments. Its blend of skill, bluffing, and unpredictability appeals to both recreational players and serious competitors.

The thrill of outsmarting opponents and the potential for significant winnings have made poker a globally beloved game.

How Is a Poker Game Set Up?

Setting up a poker game requires a few basic tools and a clear understanding of the table structure. A standard 52-card deck is used, and players are usually seated around a circular or oval table.

A dealer button rotates clockwise after each hand to ensure fairness. The two players to the left of the dealer post blinds, which are mandatory bets designed to initiate action and build the pot.

Essential Equipment:

Poker Chips: Different colours represent various denominations. Chips ensure smooth betting and make it easier to track stakes.
Cards: A clean, complete deck with no jokers is standard.
Dealer Button: Indicates who is dealing, rotating clockwise after each hand.
Small & Big Blind: The first two players post forced bets before the cards are dealt.

The table is structured with positions like early, middle, and late, which significantly influence betting strategies. Being in a later position allows players to act after observing others, providing a tactical advantage.

Common Poker Terms and Their Meanings:

Pot: The collective bet in a single hand
Burn Card: A card discarded before each community card is revealed to prevent cheating
All-In: Betting all remaining chips
Community Cards: Cards dealt face-up in the centre, shared by all players

How Many Poker Cards in a Deck?

A standard poker deck consists of 52 playing cards, divided equally among four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.

Each suit contains 13 cards, ranging from Ace through King. This deck format is used in most popular poker variants, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and Draw Poker.

In professional and casual poker games alike, jokers are not included in the deck. While some card games use jokers as wild cards, poker games generally exclude them to preserve the integrity and strategy of hand rankings.

Here’s a breakdown of the card structure:

4 suits: Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades
13 ranks per suit: Ace, 2–10, Jack, Queen, King
Total cards: 4 suits × 13 ranks = 52 cards

Some variations, such as Short Deck Poker, use only 36 cards by removing all twos through fives, altering the probabilities and hand rankings.

For most poker games played in casinos and online platforms, the 52-card deck is the universal standard.

Understanding the composition of the deck is essential for reading odds, calculating probabilities, and developing a winning poker strategy.

What Are the Rules for Playing Poker?

The fundamental rules of poker revolve around betting rounds and hand rankings. A round of Texas Hold’em, the most popular format, is structured into four key betting phases: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river.

Round Breakdown:

Pre-Flop: Each player is dealt two private (hole) cards. Betting starts with the player left of the big blind.
Flop: The dealer places three community cards face-up. Another round of betting begins.
Turn: A fourth community card is dealt, followed by another betting round.
River: The fifth and final community card is dealt. One final betting round occurs.

If two or more players remain after the river, a showdown occurs. The player with the best five-card poker hand wins the pot.

If all other players fold at any stage, the last remaining player wins by default, regardless of hand strength.

Player Actions:

Action	Description
Check	Pass action to the next player without betting
Call	Match the current highest bet
Raise	Increase the current bet amount
Fold	Discard your hand and forfeit the round

Each action serves a tactical purpose. A raise, for instance, can pressure opponents or extract more chips from weaker hands.

How Do Poker Hand Rankings Work?

Understanding hand rankings is crucial for determining winning outcomes and making strategic betting decisions.

In any poker variant, the best five-card combination dictates the strength of the hand. Here’s a breakdown:

Poker Hands Ranked from Highest to Lowest:

Rank	Hand Type	Description	Example
1	Royal Flush	A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit	A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠
2	Straight Flush	Five consecutive cards of the same suit	9♥ 8♥ 7♥ 6♥ 5♥
3	Four of a Kind	Four cards of the same rank	6♠ 6♦ 6♣ 6♥ K♦
4	Full House	Three of a kind + one pair	Q♣ Q♦ Q♥ 5♣ 5♠
5	Flush	Five non-consecutive cards of the same suit	K♦ J♦ 9♦ 6♦ 3♦
6	Straight	Five consecutive cards, any suits	10♣ 9♦ 8♥ 7♠ 6♣
7	Three of a Kind	Three cards of the same value	4♠ 4♦ 4♥ 8♣ J♠
8	Two Pair	Two sets of pairs	J♠ J♦ 3♠ 3♦ 9♣
9	One Pair	One pair of the same rank	A♥ A♠ 6♣ 9♦ 2♠
10	High Card	No combination, highest card wins	K♠ 10♦ 8♣ 5♠ 3♦

Knowing these combinations inside and out is essential. Many beginners mistakenly overvalue hands like two pair or underestimate the power of position over hand strength.

Top 15 Well-known Poker Variations

1. Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is by far the most widely played version of poker, particularly in professional tournaments and online poker platforms.

Its rise to dominance began in the early 2000s, fuelled by televised tournaments and online accessibility. What makes it so popular is its balance of strategy, simplicity, and excitement.

In Texas Hold’em, each player is dealt two private cards (hole cards), while five community cards are revealed in stages on the table: the Flop, Turn, and River.

Players aim to make the best five-card poker hand using any combination of their hole cards and the shared community cards.

The game features four rounds of betting:

Pre-Flop: After receiving hole cards, players begin betting based on potential hands.
Flop: Three community cards are placed face-up, giving players a clearer idea of possible combinations.
Turn: A fourth card is added to the community, prompting another round of bets.
River: The final community card is revealed, followed by the last betting round and the showdown.

There are different betting structures in Texas Hold’em:

No-Limit: Players can bet all their chips at any time.
Limit: Bets and raises are restricted to fixed amounts.
Pot-Limit: Players can bet up to the total size of the pot.

The flexibility of betting formats and the mix of skill and psychology make Texas Hold’em a thrilling game for players of all levels.

2. Omaha Hi

Omaha Hi, often referred to as Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), is the second most popular form of poker globally. It shares similarities with Texas Hold’em but has a distinct twist that increases the complexity and excitement.

In Omaha Hi, each player is dealt four hole cards, instead of two, and must use exactly two of them in combination with three of the five community cards to make the best five-card hand. This requirement adds a layer of strategy not found in Hold’em.

Unlike Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi typically follows a pot-limit betting structure, where the maximum bet or raise is limited to the size of the pot. This controls the pace of the game and adds tactical depth.

Key points:

Four hole cards per player
Must use two hole cards and three community cards
Pot-limit betting only

Because of the increased number of starting cards, stronger hands are more common, and players need to be cautious not to overvalue mediocre hands. Omaha Hi is a game of big draws and big pots, rewarding analytical players with a knack for hand-reading and positional play.

3. Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha Hi-Lo, also known as Omaha 8-or-Better, is a split-pot game where the pot is divided between the highest and the lowest qualifying hands. It shares the same four-card hole structure as Omaha Hi but introduces a unique element: two winners per hand.

Players must again use two of their hole cards and three community cards, but to win the low portion of the pot, the hand must consist of five unpaired cards ranked eight or lower. Straights and flushes count only for the high hand and are ignored for low hands.

The game flows through four betting rounds: Pre-Flop, Flop, Turn, and River, identical to Hold’em and Omaha Hi. However, strategy shifts as players try to “scoop” the pot by winning both the high and low.

Betting Limit Options in Omaha Hi-Lo:

Fixed Limit: Set betting amounts per round
Pot Limit: Bets capped to the current pot size
No Limit: Any amount can be wagered
Mixed: Alternates between fixed and pot-limit rounds

Strong Starting Hands Include:

A-A-2-3 (suited or double suited)
A-A-2-5 (double suited)
A-A-3-4 (double suited)

This variation demands a deep understanding of hand potential and careful observation of the board to judge whether you’re competing for the high, the low, or both.

4. 5-Card Omaha

5-Card Omaha is a dynamic evolution of traditional Omaha, offering players five hole cards instead of four. The rules regarding hand formation remain the same: players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards to build the best five-card hand.

This additional card dramatically increases the number of potential combinations, allowing for more exciting hands and greater variability. While it opens up possibilities, it also requires sharper strategic play to avoid overcommitting to weak draws.

The most common betting format is pot-limit, similar to standard Omaha Hi. However, in some high-stakes circles, no-limit variations may be introduced to increase the pressure and risk.

Key features:

More starting hands to consider
Higher chances of strong hands like straights and flushes
Requires a deep understanding of odds and probabilities

This version is favoured by more advanced players who enjoy complex decision-making and fast-paced gameplay.

5. 5-Card Draw

5-Card Draw is a classic poker variant and one of the oldest forms of the game. Its simplicity and straightforward structure make it a popular choice for home games and beginners.

Each player is dealt five private cards (no community cards). After the initial round of betting, players may exchange up to three cards from their hand in an attempt to improve their final five-card combination. A second round of betting follows, and if more than one player remains, a showdown determines the winner.

Unlike Omaha or Hold’em, there is no shared information from community cards. All reads must come from observing betting patterns and how many cards each opponent draws, making bluffing and deduction critical parts of the strategy.

Key concepts:

Purely private hand-based game
Requires reading opponents through behaviour and betting
Bluffing plays a prominent role

Although it’s less common in professional poker today, 5-Card Draw is still enjoyed for its simplicity and traditional appeal.

6. 7-Card Stud

7-Card Stud is a time-honoured poker variation that predates Texas Hold’em and Omaha. It offers a different challenge as it involves no community cards, and players rely solely on the cards dealt to them.

Each player receives seven cards in total: three face-down and four face-up. From these seven cards, players must form the best possible five-card hand. The game places a strong emphasis on observation, memory, and strategic betting.

How the Rounds Work:

Starting Deal: Each player gets two hole cards (face-down) and one face-up card (called the “door card”).
Betting Begins: The player with the lowest door card posts the first bet, known as the “bring-in”.
3rd, 4th & 5th Streets: Players receive one face-up card in each round, followed by a round of betting.
6th Street: A final face-up card is dealt, and another round of betting follows.
7th Street (River): One last face-down card is dealt to each remaining player, concluding the deal.

Since most of the cards are visible to all players, 7-Card Stud rewards those who can remember exposed cards and read opponents effectively. It’s a slower-paced game compared to Hold’em but offers a deep, strategic experience for those who enjoy calculated play.

7. Badugi

Badugi is a unique and lesser-known poker variant that differs significantly from traditional forms. It’s a lowball draw poker game where players aim to create the lowest four-card hand, all of different suits and ranks.

Each player receives four cards, and the game begins with a betting round. Players can then draw new cards (up to all four) in an attempt to improve their hand. After each draw, another round of betting takes place. The process continues for three draw rounds, followed by a final round of betting and then a showdown.

Key Rules of Badugi:

Aces are always low.
No pairs or duplicate suits are allowed in a strong hand.
The best possible hand is A-2-3-4, all of different suits.
Hands with fewer unique cards are ranked lower than four-card Badugi hands.

Because suits must not repeat, it’s possible to end up with a three-card or even two-card hand if duplicates occur. A four-card Badugi always beats a three-card hand, regardless of card rank.

Badugi is a game of subtlety and careful observation. It requires players to bluff smartly, read opponents based on how many cards they draw, and manage risk as they chase the ideal hand.

8. Chinese Poker

Chinese Poker is a card-splitting game that combines skill, patience, and a strong understanding of hand rankings. It is typically played by 2 to 4 players, and each receives 13 cards at the start of the hand.

The goal is to arrange the 13 cards into three separate poker hands:

A three-card front hand (lowest value)
A five-card middle hand (medium strength)
A five-card back hand (highest value)

Hand Arrangement Rules:

The back hand must be stronger than the middle hand.
The middle hand must be stronger than the front hand.
Breaking the arrangement rules results in a foul, and the player automatically loses the round.

Once the hands are set, all players reveal their cards. Points are awarded based on how each hand compares against opponents. There’s also an option to include royalty points, which give bonuses for forming rare or particularly strong hands.

Chinese Poker is ideal for casual players looking for a slower-paced yet mentally engaging game. It rewards creative thinking and card distribution skills more than bluffing or aggressive betting.

9. Community Card Poker

Community Card Poker refers to a group of poker variants where each player is dealt a number of private (hole) cards, and a set of shared cards (community cards) are placed face-up in the centre of the table.

This structure allows each player to combine their private cards with the community cards to form the best possible hand. The most common examples of community card poker are Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

Common Features:

Community cards are shared by all players.
Players make the best five-card hand using a combination of hole and community cards.
The number of hole cards varies (two in Texas Hold’em, four in Omaha).
Four betting rounds are standard: Pre-Flop, Flop, Turn, and River.

This format makes the game highly strategic, as players must interpret the community board and anticipate what others may be holding. Bluffing, position play, and calculated aggression are key elements in mastering community card games.

Community card poker variants are particularly popular in online platforms and tournament play, thanks to their fast pace and blend of skill and chance.

10. Draw Poker

Draw Poker is one of the oldest and simplest styles of poker, in which players aim to improve their hands by exchanging cards. It’s a foundational game that introduced the core concepts of betting, bluffing, and hand ranking.

In a standard 5-Card Draw Poker setup:

Each player is dealt five face-down cards.
After an initial round of betting, players may exchange up to three cards with the dealer.
Another round of betting follows the draw.
A showdown takes place if multiple players remain, and the best five-card hand wins.

Why Draw Poker Still Matters:

It focuses heavily on reading player behaviour, as no cards are revealed until the showdown.
It teaches core poker principles like pot odds, bluffing, and position.
Simple rules make it accessible to new players and a great game for social settings.

Draw Poker has mostly taken a backseat in modern competitive poker but remains a staple in home games and casual circles. Its straightforward nature makes it perfect for those learning the game or looking for a nostalgic poker night.

11. Pineapple Poker

Pineapple Poker is a vibrant and entertaining variant of Texas Hold’em with a twist that makes pre-flop decision-making even more strategic. Each player starts with three hole cards instead of two. The twist? One of those cards must be discarded before the first round of betting begins.

After the discard, the game proceeds exactly like Texas Hold’em: a five-card board is dealt in three stages — the Flop, Turn, and River and players use their two remaining hole cards with the community cards to form the best five-card hand.

There are also two popular variants of Pineapple:

Crazy Pineapple: Players keep all three hole cards through the pre-flop and flop betting rounds, and only discard one card before the Turn is dealt. This allows more time to assess hand potential.
Lazy Pineapple: Also known as Tahoe Poker, this version delays the discard until after the River is dealt, essentially letting players hold three cards throughout the hand and only choosing two during the showdown.

Pineapple is a great choice for players looking to introduce a light-hearted yet strategic variation to their poker nights. The delayed discard in Crazy and Lazy Pineapple variants adds depth, allowing players to keep multiple strong drawing hands alive longer.

12. Razz Poker

Razz is a classic lowball stud poker variant where the objective is to make the lowest possible five-card hand, rather than the highest. Unlike traditional stud games where players chase high-value hands, Razz rewards the players with the lowest-ranking cards.

Each player receives seven cards over five betting rounds, and like 7-Card Stud, three are face-down and four are face-up. However, the lowest five-card hand wins; pairs, straights, and flushes count against you.

The best possible hand in Razz is called the Wheel: 5-4-3-2-A. The lower the highest card in your five-card combination, the better your chances of winning.

Here’s how Razz differs in gameplay:

It is a stud format, meaning no community cards.
Players can’t swap or draw cards; they must play the ones dealt to them.
Starting hands with multiple low-value cards (A, 2, 3) are most desirable.
Betting begins with the highest face-up card (opposite of Stud).

Because it breaks away from conventional high-hand strategy, Razz challenges players to think differently. Reading opponents’ upcards is crucial, and tracking folded cards offers a big edge in later betting rounds.

13. HORSE Poker

HORSE Poker is a prestigious and demanding mixed poker game that cycles through five different variants in one rotation. The acronym HORSE stands for:

H – Texas Hold’em
O – Omaha Hi/Lo
R – Razz
S – Seven Card Stud
E – Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo (Eight-or-Better)

This format tests players across a variety of poker disciplines, blending community card games, stud games, and lowball variants. Success in HORSE requires a comprehensive knowledge of rules, hand rankings, and betting tactics for each game type.

HORSE is most commonly seen in high-stakes live cash games and professional tournaments, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP). It levels the playing field and reveals true poker skill by rotating formats frequently, usually every orbit.

To succeed, players must:

Switch strategies quickly between games.
Adapt to different hand strengths and bluffing frequencies.
Remain focused on changing betting rules and hand objectives.

It’s a prestigious game, often played by professionals, and is ideal for experienced players who enjoy variety and mental stamina challenges.

14. Short Deck Poker

Short Deck Poker, also known as Six Plus Hold’em, is a fast-growing variant of Texas Hold’em with a unique twist: the deck only contains 36 cards. All twos through fives are removed, significantly altering hand probabilities and overall strategy.

In this version:

The lowest card is six.
Because flushes are now harder to hit than full houses (due to fewer cards of each suit), flushes beat full houses, a reversal of traditional hand rankings.
The game follows the same betting rounds as Texas Hold’em: Pre-Flop, Flop, Turn, and River.

The change in deck composition means players are more likely to make strong hands, but so are their opponents. As a result, Short Deck poker is known for big pots, frequent all-ins, and fast-paced action.

It’s especially popular in Asian high-stakes games and has recently gained traction in international tournaments. Because of the hand ranking adjustments and increased variance, players need to rethink starting hand values and adjust their bluffing strategies accordingly.

15. 2-7 Triple Draw Poker

2-7 Triple Draw Poker (Deuce to Seven) is a lowball draw poker game where players aim to form the worst possible five-card hand, in traditional ranking terms. Unlike Razz, straights and flushes count against your hand, and Aces are high.

The best hand in 2-7 Triple Draw is 7-5-4-3-2, with no flush and no pairs.

The gameplay structure includes:

Five face-down cards are dealt to each player.
Players go through three drawing rounds, where they can discard and replace cards to improve their hand.
After each draw, a betting round takes place.

Players win by either:

Having the lowest-ranked five-card hand at showdown.
Forcing all opponents to fold through aggressive betting and bluffs.

Because of the multiple drawing rounds and strategic discards, 2-7 Triple Draw requires strong memory, bluffing skills, and attention to opponent behaviour. It’s a favourite among advanced players looking for a deeper mental challenge.

Which Version of Poker Should Beginners Start With?

For those just starting, Texas Hold’em offers the ideal learning curve. The rules are easy to grasp, and the structured format encourages strategic thinking without overwhelming complexity.

Other popular variations include:

Omaha: Similar to Hold’em but players are dealt four hole cards and must use two.
Seven Card Stud: No community cards; each player gets their own set of seven.
5-Card Draw: Players get five cards and can trade some for new ones, common in home games.

However, beginners are best served sticking with Texas Hold’em initially. It provides a solid foundation for understanding betting patterns, reading opponents, and utilising position.

What Strategies Help Beginners Succeed in Poker?

Success in poker comes down to more than just the cards. Strategy plays a vital role from the first hand. Here are foundational strategies every beginner should adopt:

Core Poker Strategies:

Play Fewer Hands: Don’t feel the need to play every hand. Folding is a skill.
Value Position: Playing from later positions gives more information, which is power.
Be Aggressive with Good Hands: Don’t just call, raise to maximise value.
Avoid Chasing Losses: Fold weak draws rather than throwing chips into the pot aimlessly.
Learn to Fold: Knowing when to let go of a hand saves chips in the long run.

Common Beginner Mistakes:

Calling too often: Passive play without hand strength loses chips.
Overvaluing pairs: A single pair is rarely strong enough in multi-way pots.
Ignoring table dynamics: Watch how others play, not just your cards.

Poker is not purely about memorisation; it’s about reading the situation and adapting. Over time, concepts like pot odds, expected value, and bet sizing become more intuitive.

How Can Someone Practice and Improve Their Poker Skills?

The only way to truly improve is through consistent, deliberate practice. Luckily, there is a wealth of resources available for UK players:

Free Online Platforms: Sites like PokerStars.net offer free-to-play games.
Mobile Apps: Apps such as Zynga Poker and WSOP provide casual practice environments.
Tournaments & Clubs: University poker societies and local clubs host beginner-friendly events.
Training Videos: YouTube channels like Daniel Negreanu’s and PokerGO offer free strategy insights.

It also helps to maintain a poker journal, noting hands played, thoughts behind decisions, and outcomes. Reviewing these regularly helps identify leaks in your strategy and refine decision-making skills.

Is It Legal to Play Poker in the UK?

Poker is legal and well-regulated in the UK, provided it’s played on licensed platforms or venues. The UK Gambling Commission ensures that operators follow fair gaming rules, protect players’ funds, and promote responsible gambling.

Online Poker: Players can participate in cash games and tournaments on approved UKGC-licensed sites.
Home Games: These are permitted as long as there’s no house profit or rake.
Casino Play: Legal in licensed casinos; ID and age verification required.

The legal gambling age in the UK is 18 years old, and all operators must enforce this strictly. Reputable sites will have measures such as Know Your Customer (KYC) checks in place to comply with national laws.

Conclusion

Learning how to play poker involves more than just knowing the rules—it’s about developing awareness, patience, and strategic thinking.

For beginners in the UK, starting with Texas Hold’em and focusing on foundational strategies is the best route to improvement.

With practice, dedication, and a clear understanding of hand rankings and betting structure, anyone can build the skills needed to enjoy and excel at poker. Remember, responsible play and continuous learning are key to long-term success at the table.

FAQs About Learning to Play Poker

What’s the best way to learn poker for free?

The best way is through free online poker apps or websites offering beginner-friendly games, tutorials, and simulations. Sites like PokerStars.net and apps like Zynga Poker are great starting points.

How long does it take to become good at poker?

It varies by individual. With consistent practice and study, a beginner can become competent within a few months. Mastery, however, can take years.

Can you make money playing poker?

Yes, skilled players can profit through tournaments or cash games. However, success requires strategy, discipline, and bankroll management.

What’s a “bad beat” in poker?

A bad beat occurs when a player with a strong hand loses to an unlikely draw, often due to a lucky card on the river.

Is online poker different from in-person poker?

Yes. Online poker is faster and lacks physical tells, while live games allow for more player interaction and bluff reading.

What are poker “tells”?

Tells are physical or behavioural clues that may reveal the strength of a player’s hand. Common tells include shaking hands, fidgeting, or changes in voice.

How can a player stop tilting during a poker game?

Take a break, breathe, and remind yourself of your strategy. Tilt can lead to impulsive decisions, so regaining emotional control is key.

Disclaimer:

UK Casino Blog does not operate or promote any form of gambling. All content is for news, analysis, and educational purposes only. Please gamble responsibly and seek help if you are affected by gambling-related issues.