When people think of poker, they’re probably thinking of Texas Holde ‘Em-style poker. This is the poker you see on TV with the World Series of Poker, which has helped make the game one of the most popular card games in all the land. Naturally, Vegas visitors get the itch to try their luck at the poker tables and there’s an assortment of casinos ready to take their business. Poker tables are everywhere in Vegas and we mean everywhere!
If you want in on the fun, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to explain how to play poker when in Vegas. Believe us, the sport can be learned in just a few hours. Allow us to show you how it’s done with this handy betting guide:
In terms of gambling offline, we’d strongly advise taking a look at some of the biggest casinos on the strip. While there are many great places for Las Vegas Texas Hold’Em tournaments, we’d advise going with the most popular casinos, as you know they’ll be safe and always have players ready to go. These casinos have private rooms for “high rollers” that want to spend the big bucks too.
In terms of the very best Texas Hold’em tournaments in Vegas, it’s worth taking a look at Aria Resort Casino for example. Be sure to check the rules of the casino and the table, as certain tables have specific gambling rules—this is equally important for those entering tournaments, you need to be aware of the tournament rules. Never assume in Vegas!
Many of our readers ask us how to play Texas Hold ’Em online in Vegas, to which we reply it couldn’t be easier. Nearly every bookmaker in the city offers an online betting app, which classically features a sportsbook and online casino.
Alternatively, take a look at our full guide to offshore betting providers, which gives readers some of the most comprehensive online bookmakers around. In terms of Texas Hold’Em the likes of Bovada and EveryGame offer a range of tables, from high-roller to low entry tournaments. As well as this, there are live dealer options for bettors who want the real deal when they’re playing at top online betting sites.
The object of the game is fairly straightfoward. Simply, make the best five card hand possible, using a combination of any of the two cards the player receives, as well as any of the 5 cards that are laid on the table.
Each player is dealt two cards face down. All the players will complete a round of betting, then the first three cards are laid down, these cards are known as the flop. Another round of betting takes place, then the fourth card (the turn card) is placed. This is followed by another round of betting and finally the fifth card, which is known as the river card.
Throughout the game, there are buttons passed around the table. One is the dealer button, moving clockwise around the table after each hand is played. There is also the small and big blind; these are buttons that represent the standardized amount bettors must wager in order to play a hand. The small blind is half of the big blind. The blinds go up based on rounds completed, based on time, or when a certain number of players are out.
Another way of winning a hand is if everyone has folded out but you. If this is the case, the betting rounds have caused other players to fold, probably on the basis they believe you have a better hand than them and they are scared off. This is a tactic often employed by players, especially at the top level, using skilled betting to “bluff” hands and intimidate opponents.
One of the most important things to learn when you’re first starting out with Texas Hold’Em are the hands. Here is a complete list of the hands you can get, in order from highest to lowest:
1. Royal flush
A, K, Q, J, 10, all the same suit.
2. Straight flush
Five cards in a sequence, all in the same suit.
3. Four of a kind
All four cards of the same rank.
4. Full house
Three of a kind with a pair.
5. Flush
Any five cards of the same suit, but not in a sequence.
6. Straight
Five cards in a sequence, but not of the same suit.
7. Three of a kind
Three cards of the same rank.
8. Two pair
Two different pairs.
9. Pair
Two cards of the same rank.
10. High Card
When you haven’t made any of the hands above, the highest card plays.
While we cannot say exactly which is the best casino, as they all have certain elements that suit certain bettors more than others, we did mention one of the best in this article.
Absolutely. So much so that Texas Hold’Em is a profession, with professionals earning millions of dollars a year. High roller tables will always provide the best opportunities to win big.
Yes. Professional poker has been something that’s been going for many years now, with some legendary names in the game from countless wins over their careers.
This really depends on where you’re playing. Generally speaking, at Las Vegas casinos the minimum to enter small tournaments is around $100.
Very popular. With limited access to casinos for some people, online poker is often the best way to play the game. There are a whole host of different providers making it easy to access for anyone residing in the states.
