How to Play Poker (For Beginners)

The game of Poker can seem confusing at first, but Poker rules can be quickly learned by most new players. To prepare for your first game of poker, we’ve created this step-by-step guide to understanding the various Poker rules.

Even if you have never played Poker before, you’ll soon be able to enjoy the game either for fun, competitively, or both!

How to Play Poker for Beginners 

In the game of Poker, the poker game type / variety that you play will set the specific Poker Rules that you will follow. Each poker game type has rules which vary slightly from each other, but most all Poker game varieties share a set of Standard Poker rules.

The following rules are common to every poker variation, so for new players, it’s usually best for you to start with this Standard Poker Rule Set.

Winning Poker Hands

When you are dealt your cards, it’s referred to as a “hand”. If the cards in your hand are worth more than the cards in your opponent’s hand, then you win.

To understand how your hand ranks in Poker, here’s the list of Poker hand values, from lowest to highest: 

• High Card – If there are no matching cards in your hand, then you want to play your highest card (Ace is the highest card in the deck) 
• A Pair – Two cards of the same numeric value (a Pair of 4’s, etc.)
• 2 Pair – Two pairs of cards (a Pair of 3’s and a Pair of 4’s, etc.)
• Three of a Kind – Three cards that have the same number or value (if you have three 7’s, etc.)
• Straight – Five cards in order or in numerical sequence (but not in the same suit), such as 3,4,5,6,7
• Flush – Five cards that share the same suit, but not in order or a numerical sequence, (an example: if you have the 2, 4, 6, 7, 10 and they’re all hearts)
• Full House – Three of a kind plus a pair in the same hand
• Four of a Kind – Four cards that have the same number in each suit
• Straight Flush – Five cards in sequence or numerical order in the same suit (example: if you have 3,4,5,6,7 and they’re all diamonds)
• Royal Flush –  It’s the five highest cards in the deck, and in sequence, 10 to Ace, the same suit

Basic Poker Terminology

Ante – The amount of chips required to participate in a game. Poker ante is usually determined by the two players next to the dealer, and each player has to “ante up” to play the game

Betting – After the cards have been dealt, every player can bet for their hand. Players each have a turn to place their wagers.

Call – When a player bets an amount, you can “call”, which means to put that same amount of chips into the pot.

Raise – When its time to bet, a player can increase the bet by “raising” it, which means you match the other player’s bet, plus wager an extra amount.

Fold – You can quit or leave the game any time you choose to, by stating that you “fold” your hand.  Folding a hand means you forfeit that game.

With the basic rules and terms you’ve learned here, you should now be able to move onto the various other types of poker games. And now, if someone ever asks you, “how is poker played?”, you can answer them with confidence!