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Poker Knowledge Base

Written by Gamblescope Research Team | Published on Aug 18, 2018 | Updated on May 31, 2022

Poker is known to be an easy game to learn but hard to master. Learn about the many different variations of poker with our tutorials and strategy guides available from this page.

Poker Knowledge Base provides well-researched information and analysis on a wide range of topics relating to competitive poker.

Poker is not just a game of luck. It is, in fact, an equal balance of luck and skill that is required to succeed in this game. A very good poker player can win hands with the worst cards in much the same way an inexperienced player can lose hands despite holding the best cards.

Our poker strategy tutorials are designed to help players of all levels improve their game by highlighting the essential aspects of gameplay and strategy when seated at a table online and offline. Tutorials are broken down in stages, available for beginners, experienced, and advanced players offering invaluable advice from expert players to help you take the game to the next level and win more and more often at the poker table.

Poker Knowledge Base

 

The information available on this page aims to inform and educate players of all levels on subjects such as how to play, what to play, and where to play online poker to get the best advantage when playing real money poker games in any environment. We hope you enjoy reading the material to be found on this page which is broad in scope. 

Poker in its many forms is a social game enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, which combines equal measures of skill, luck, and strategy. This page aims to assist players in the processes of learning to play the game and improve on the skill already acquired. Here you will find some of the best resources available on the internet to help players understand and master the game, with our top picks for the best tournaments to enter and where you can find them online. The FAQ section answers some of the most common questions aspiring players ask about learning poker.

Our Poker Game Guides give aspiring poker players an understanding of the basic concepts, rules, and tips when playing Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, Razz, and Horse, amongst other popular options. 

Know the Language of Poker

Do you know the difference between No Limit and Fixed Limit Poker? A Three bet to an All-in bet, or how about the difference between an inside and outside straight draw? If you have ever played at a poker table, you will be aware of the endless amount of terminology used to describe games, plays, and situations.  

The game has developed its own language, and to progress, players need to learn and understand basic poker terminology. Our Poker Dictionary  is an easy to use reference which explains the meaning of the most important words and terms used within the game. 

Poker Strategy Tutorials: Beginner to Pro

In much the same way as chess, poker is one of those games that is easy to learn but takes many years of practice and experience to master. Our Poker Strategy Guides written by the vastly experienced poker professional Magnus Martin , provide useful advice for anyone looking to improve their skills and performance in the game. They are designed to arm players of all levels with insightful knowledge in areas such as betting strategy, playing styles, and game psychology, which although focussed on Texas Hold’Em and Omaha, contain principles which can be applied to any competitive variation of the game.

Put Your Knowledge to the Test Playing at the Best Tournaments

Put your poker skills to the test and play at the best tournaments on the planet. Media coverage of the game places much emphasis on the major tournaments with top players competing for the biggest prizes. We look at the events the pros prefer to enter and provide commentary on when and where they are held, the buy-in costs, and explore the ways in which you might participate for free.

Our poker tournaments and events section  is a must read for any serious competitor with ambitions to play against the best players around the world and win serious prize money.

Learn to Play all the Best Variations of Poker with our Collection of Game Guides

Once you understand the poker hands and basic rules, it is very straightforward to adapt your game to learn and play the many variations available.

Texas Hold’em is by far the most popular variation of poker played worldwide. The game attracts a significant proportion of media attention focusing on the prominent poker personalities and celebrities playing at the major worldwide tournaments, such as the world poker tour (WPT) and the world series of Poker (WSOP).

Despite the domination of Texas Hold’em, it is not the only game of poker in town. Other variations of the game such as Omaha, Stud, Draw, and Razz, and their subsequent variations, are also hugely popular in the online and offline poker venues around the globe. 

As any experienced player will tell you; a good understanding of multiple variations of poker helps players to become more grounded in the game.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

What Is the Easiest Poker Game to Play?

In competitive poker, there is probably not an easiest game on a technical level, but Texas Hold’Em is the variation that most people play, so from a learning perspective makes a good choice as there are many more opportunities to play others and gain experience.

Is it legal to Play Real Money Poker Games at Home?

This depends on the gambling laws in the legal jurisdiction where the game is being played. However, in many western countries, it is legal to play between friends on a non-commercial basis where there are no members of the public invited, and no money is charged for participation (except for playing stakes).

What is the best advice you can give for players learning the game?

Take every opportunity to play the game with friends and in online poker rooms. Learning by your mistakes is invaluable and will help you to become a better player. Reading and watching tutorials to help in certain situations is also a good idea.

How do I Know when I am ready to play real money games of poker?

To avoid playing out of your depth, players new to the game should first practice with friends in person or with others online. When you gain a measure of success and feel confident in your game, you can then progress to playing real money games for very low stakes. Many of the big online poker sites offer tables where the stakes are as little as $0.01 - $0.05.

Is it possible to play real money poker games for free?

Yes. Plenty of the big brand community poker sites such as Pokerstars, 888 Poker, and Full-Tilt sponsor Freeroll tournament games that require no initial buy-in and offer cash prizes and gift incentives to the most successful competitors.

Is it a good idea to use a poker coach to learn how to play poker?

In certain situations. Poker coaches are generally active or retired professionals with deep knowledge of the game. It is probably best to learn and practice the game first and use a poker coach if you want to advance your game to a serious or professional level.

What is the Best tournament to play in?

That very much depends on your skill level. Buying into the big tournaments is a risk if you lack the ability to compete against experienced players. It is better to start playing low-level tournament games and progress from there.

What is better, cash games or sit & go tournaments?

This depends on your playing style and personal preference. Some players like playing in cash games because they may be aggressive players for example and have more success in these types of games. Others, however, prefer tournaments where the aim is to stay in the competition for as long as possible to get into the later stages and earn prizes.

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