Poker Guide
What’s your game? Whether you’re a Texas Hold’em fanatic, an Omaha aficionado or a Stud supremo, there is certainly plenty going on for you to enjoy. The secret is, when you become a member at The VIP Gambler it’s possible to separate the best from the rest. Imagine no more sub-par games, lowly bonus offers or agonising time spent waiting for a casino to answer your query. Cut out the confusion and elevate to the top tables, however you play. By sourcing the best games, software, tables and bonuses in the online poker world, we have it all here waiting and ready to entertain you. Our collection of information, ranging from basic rules to insider expert tips on how to get the most from your gaming, are all here! At The VIP Gambler we have the contacts, tools and inside track to help you get ahead. On to poker perfection!
Poker Facts
Poker has to be one of the online games available with the most fun, bizarre and ultimately entertaining facts around. Did you know that approximately 65,000,000 American people play poker regularly in some form? But that’s not all, as more than 70 million decks are sold in the USA each year!
Did you know that playing cards date back to Europe in the 13th century? They are of French influence, and originally intended to display Spades (nobles), Diamonds (merchants), Clubs (peasants or the poor), and Hearts (members of the church clergy). In fact, long before the rumoured origins of poker in the 15th century? This game hailed as the first incarnation of poker was Pochspiel, which means ‘brag’ or ‘bluff.’ You may have heard industry voices refer to the Dead Man’s Hand. This is a hand made up of Aces and Eights. Poker facts fun is never ending! What’s your favourite?
Poker History
The history of poker has long been a subject of debate, but the story goes that betting and similar hand ranking first took place in a 15th century German game named Pochspiel. Various games of French, Persian, American and English origin are believed to have contributed to the poker we know today, and American and English culture in particular are hailed with shaping the language associated. Online poker is a product of the 21st century – much later than many believed-poker games. It was played for free online in the late 90’s, then became a real money gaming option from 1998. Figures suggest that as of February 2010 there are at least 500 online poker websites and/or casinos. This figure includes skins and in-house or stand-alone software. Typically skins are used because they are far more economical then stand alone software. Within this, casinos use multiple skins for even more variety!
Poker Rules
In order to get your head around those specifics of your chosen game, it helps to understand what each of the main variations has to offer. Different types of poker typically follow the same hierarchy in the cards, bar Razz which is upside-down. Video poker is a good place to start. It operates rather like a slot in that you wager, receive your hand, then select which cards to keep. The oldest poker type is Strait, where quite simply everyone gets one hand and bets in one round. This is a great place to play if you’re just starting out. In Stud Poker each player receives cards from a collection of face-down and face-up rounds. There is one round of betting per round dealt. Draw Poker offers each player a face-down hand then has a chance to discard chosen cards. Lastly, Community poker is essentially a variation of Stud poker.
Poker Strategy
Approaching poker strategy can be very difficult, as the field is now practically endless when it comes to different tips, methods and play plans. Understanding the basics does, however, make reading up on your specific games more entertaining. Arguably the best place to start is ‘The Fundamental Theorem of Poker’ as put forward by the American poker player and authority, David Sklansky. This states that cards ought to be played as if you can see your opponent’s card, in which case you gain, and if they play wrongly, or as if they cannot see your cards, they lose. While it sounds a little abstract, the premise highlights the way in which the game tends to be played, whatever your preferred type. Other considerations include bluffing, which is really only honed with practise, and playing within your bankroll properly, which of course applied to any game. For more help, join us!
Different Poker Networks Available
There are many different poker networks available. Here are some of the most popular around!
iPoker Network, Party Gaming, OnGame, Cereus Network, Boss Media Network, Microgaming Network (also has the Prima Network), Cake Poker Network, 888.com, PKR Network, Entraction Network, Merge Poker Network, Everleaf Gaming Network, Poker Time Network, True Poker Network, Cryptologic Network, Tribeca Tables Poker Network, Action Poker Network, B2B Network, 24h Network.
Just like selecting the poker game, table and casino for you, picking the right poker network can be a confusing business. At The VIP Gambler we keep things simple by getting to know each and every one of the top networks available to ensure that you can have a truly great game every time. There are always new and emerging providers too, some great, some not good enough, but one thing you can always be sure of is quality gaming as one of our members!
