Poker BasicsHow to play Poker - Basics

Poker is any of a range of popular card games in which players bet on the value of their card combinations by placing money or chips (money markers) into a central pot. A player wins either if all other players fold or if their cards outrank those of remaining players in a show of cards, or "showdown".

Online Poker 

The popularity of poker has grown exponentially over the last three decades. Poker is no longer a game associated with dingy back rooms and mobsters; it's also no longer just a game played in glitzy casinos or around the kitchen table. The rise of online poker and of poker as a televised spectator sport have revolutionized the game, making it accessible to a huge range of people. Be sure to choose a well established and trusted "poker room" such as William Hill Poker (free £250 bonus for new poker players!) which also features the popular "no download" poker option, allowing you to play instant online poker wherever you are, without needing to download the software.

Poker Introduction 

The poker basics are actually fairly easy to learn. However, it's only with years of almost daily playing, a stomach for big risks and the use of creative strategies that you can hope to become a poker champion - the likes of a Stu Ungar or an Amarillo Slim. Aside from luck, playing poker well involves gauging and remembering other players' actions, analysing risk in relation to your cards and the size of the pot, and learning when and how to bluff.

Of course, poker is also meant to be about having fun. With just the poker basics behind you, you can enjoy playing occasionally on a night out at a casino or get together regularly with friends for sociable poker sessions.

Before learning the intricacies of particular poker games, visit these pages to get started with the poker basics:

William Hill have an excellent online Poker games website which we recommend to both new and experienced online Poker players.