To learn how to play poker on the Internet, it’s best to start out at the poker sites by playing their free games. You should first make sure that you are familiar with the games at each site by reading the rules for the poker games you plan to play (see the reference pages of our menu). You should also read any special rules in effect at the site you choose. Then choose a free poker site from the list below (for playing against live opponents) or from our Card Games page (for casino poker games).
In everyday play, the right to have a hand typically rotates from the the players and is marked by a token called a dealer button (or buck). In a casino, a home dealer handles the cards for each cards, but the button (typically a milk-white plastic disk) is rotated clockwise between the players to indicate a first dealer to determine the order of betting.
Poker is a very simple game. Although there are many variations, the basis is the same – the best five-card hand wins. Simple really – a five year old could learn. But this doesn’t really tell you how to play the game. If it was just a matter of the best hand winning, one might as well just deal all the cards face up and whoever gets the best hand dealt has won.
The one fact that encourages players to participate in poker over other casino games such as blackjack, roulette and slots is that poker players compete against themselves and NOT the dealer, casino or site. You pay to play poker through a rake system which may vary from one casino or poker site to another. The rake is a predetermined percentage of the pot which is taken by the casino or poker site but maximums are often set and other conditions may apply. You would be wise to make sure you know exactly what is being taken from your bets before placing them.