Crypto casino poker for beginners: Rules, glossary, strategies

The ultimate bluffing game tends to thrill and scare players in equal measure. Expert players love it for the blend of strategy, knowledge, luck, and unpredictability it brings. If you’re still at the stage of asking what is poker, on the other hand, you’re probably a touch nervous about diving in.

I get it - been there, got over it, went on to enjoy some excellent games and quite a few lucky wins. In this guide, I’ll share the very basics of poker rules before moving on to cover the different kinds of games, poker strategies, plus the top games and where to play them.

Let’s dive right in with a beginner-friendly explanation of how it all works.

Reviewed by

Ramona Depares

Checked by

Jelena.

First online poker game

It took place in 1998 at Planet Poker, which was one of the first internet poker sites.

Longest poker game

Poker player Phil Laak broke Guinness World Record for the longest game of poker, clocking in 79 hours.

Presidential power

Former US president Richard Nixon funded his first political campaign through poker winnings.

Largest poker prize pool

The world largest poker tournament prize pool reached just under $28 million and gathered together 5,802 players.

In a Nutshell

What is poker?

A card game that combines skill, strategy, and luck, where players bet on the strength of their hand.

Why is it fun?

It blends psychology, risk-taking, and strategy, offering both social interaction and the thrill of outplaying opponents.

What's the catch?

It involves an element of luck, and without proper bankroll management, you can lose money quickly.

Is there a learning curve?

Yes. While the basics are easy, mastering the game requires practice, strategy, and an understanding of probabilities and opponent behavior.

How poker works

Poker is possibly the most popular card game, combining elements of probability and wagering with a healthy dose of competition. You will find a number of variants with fancy names, which is why it can all appear rather daunting. However, the core mechanics remain the same. And unlike, say, crypto slots, there’s a lot you can do to influence the progression of the game play in your favour. Here’s a quick overview of the essentials, which I’ll explain in more detail below:

Poker feature	Description
Deck	Standard 52-card deck
Objective	Form the best five-card hand or make opponents fold
Players	Typically 2-10 per table
Chips	Representing in-game currency for wagering
Rounds	Multiple rounds involving betting, dealing, and hand evaluation

The game revolves around making the best five-card hand. If you don’t have a good hand, you have to put on your bluffing face and persuade your opponents to fold before you. You play various rounds, placing bets on the strength of your cards (or your bluff!)

A standard poker game typically involves a deck of 52 playing cards, using chips to represent monetary value. You’ll follow a structured sequence of actions such as dealing cards, betting, and revealing hands. No matter what variant you’re playing, the rules follow a similar pattern of play.

You have two poker options at crypto casinos, the most popular one being the live dealer version, with a professional host and other players. But you can also play it ‘against’ the computer algorithm. I’ll get into how video poker works, as well as RNG poker, a bit further down.

Is poker difficult to learn?

Poker is relatively easy to learn, but it can take time to refine your gameplay. The basic poker rules, hand rankings, and game structure can be picked up quickly, allowing you to start playing in minutes if you’re new to the game. However, understanding the deeper mechanics, such as reading opponents and calculating odds, requires practice and experience.

One of the reasons poker is approachable for beginners is that most casino games follow a consistent structure. You can start getting used to the game with simpler variants like Five Card Draw before transitioning to more complex versions such as Texas Hold’em or Omaha. Practicing on video poker before transitioning to the live version also makes learning accessible with less pressure and financial risk.

While poker has a learning curve, you can improve steadily by familiarizing yourself with the core rules and playing regularly. At first, things will appear complicated, but with time and exposure, the game becomes easier to navigate, until the rules become second nature. And with that, let’s delve into poker rules for beginners.

Basic poker rules

The rules of poker can vary depending on the variant being played, but certain fundamentals apply to all game types. Understanding these will give you a good grounding for any game you choose.

Rule	Description
Minimum and maximum bets	Some games have set bet amounts, while others allow unlimited raising.
Chips and betting	You need to have chips to wager, and you cannot bet more than you have at the table.
Turn order	The play moves clockwise around the table, with all players taking actions in sequence.
Dead hands	Hands may be forfeited due to incorrect dealing, rule violations, or failure to act within the allowed time.
Side pots	If a player goes all-in with fewer chips than other players, a side pot is created for those who have wagered more.
Ties	If players have identical hands, the pot is split equally among them.

Now that you’ve got the universal terminology sorted, your next step is to make sure you understand the basic poker rules of how different hands rank. At the end of the day, it’s your hand that will determine whether you win or lose, so you need to know exactly what each hand translates to.

Rank	Hand	Description
1	Royal Flush	A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit.
2	Straight Flush	Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
3	Four of a Kind	Four cards of the same rank (value).
4	Full House	A three-of-a-kind (cards of the same value) and a pair.
5	Flush	Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
6	Straight	Five consecutive cards of different suits.
7	Three of a Kind	Three cards of the same rank (value).
8	Two Pair	Two pairs of matching cards.
9	One Pair	Two cards of the same rank.
10	High Card	If no other hands form, the highest card determines the winner.

Based on the above table, you can easily determine:

What is the best hand in poker: A royal flush.
What is the worst hand in poker: a high-card hand with no pairs, or low-ranking and unconnected cards.

Game structure

Once you’ve become reasonably knowledgeable about how hands rank, it’s time to take a look at the way the gameplay progresses. Poker is played in structured rounds, with each game progressing through the following stages:

1. Blinds and antes

Most poker games begin with blinds and antes, which are forced bets to initiate action:

Blinds – Mandatory bets placed by two players before the cards are dealt. The small blind is placed by the player to the dealer’s left and the big blind is placed by the next player to the left. These forced bets create initial action in the hand.
Antes – A small compulsory bet that all players contribute before a hand begins.

There’s also the option to straddle - this is a voluntary blind bet that can be made before the cards are dealt, usually by the player to the left of the big blind. It effectively increases the stakes and gives the straddler the option to act last pre-flop. Some games allow multiple or button straddles.

2. Dealing cards

Players receive private cards, known as hole cards, which they use to form the best possible hand. The number of hole cards varies depending on the poker variant being played.

3. Betting rounds

Most poker games have four rounds. Players take turns deciding their next move in each betting round. You can pick one of the below actions:

Check – Passing the action to the next player without betting.
Bet – Placing chips into the pot.
Call – Matching the previous bet.
Raise – Increasing the bet amount.
Fold – Surrendering the hand and forfeiting any chips already bet.

When should you fold? When it looks as though your hand is unlikely to win, and you do not wish to risk any more chips. You may fold at any point during the betting rounds.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide whether you should forge on or abandon the game.

Description	Fold or not
If your hole cards do not form a strong combination.	Yes
If another player makes a large bet or raise and you don't have a superb hand	Yes
If community cards do not improve your hand and you don't want to invest more chips	Yes
If your bankroll is getting depleted and the wagering keeps rising	Depends on your chip count and hand strength

4. Community cards and final betting

In many poker variants, such as Texas Hold’em, community cards are placed on the table for all players to use. These are revealed in stages:

Pre-Flop – After players receive their hole cards, they decide whether to bet, call, raise, or fold.
Flop – The first three community cards.
Turn – The fourth community card.
River – The final community card.

Players make their best five-card hand using their hole cards and the community cards.

5. Showdown and winning the pot

If you still haven’t folded after the final betting round, you reveal your hands in a showdown with other players. The player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot, which consists of all chips wagered during the hand. If all but one player folds, the last remaining player wins without revealing their cards.

The game then continues in rounds until a set time limit. You can leave the table at any time. Should you win, when calculating your profit, don’t forget to take the rake into account. This is a small percentage (typically ranging between 2.5% to 10%, depending on the operator) of each pot taken by the house as a fee for hosting the game. It ensures the casino profits regardless of who wins.

Different poker variants

Poker comes in many variations, some classic, some new-fangled. The poker rules described above remain the same, but each variant has its own additional modifications tacked on. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is the most widely played poker variant. You will receive two hole cards, and five community cards are dealt face-up. Your objective is to make the best five-card hand using any combination of hole and community cards. Texas Holdem poker rules include four betting rounds: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river.

Omaha

Under Omaha poker rules you will receive four hole cards instead of two. However, you must use exactly two of them along with three of the five community cards to form a hand. This game is similar to Texas Hold’em but allows for more hand possibilities.

Careful though - having four initial hole cards can give the illusion of an initial strong hand. However, because you have to use exactly two of these, not every starting hand is truly valuable long-term.

Three Card Poker

Three Card Poker is a fast-paced variant where you’ll play against the dealer, rather than against other players. Under Three Card Poker rules each player and the dealer are dealt three cards, and the goal is to make the best possible three-card hand.

Hands are ranked differently than those in traditional poker, with a Straight being stronger than a Flush due to the three-card format. You can also place additional side bets, such as the Pair Plus bet, which rewards high-ranking hands regardless of whether they beat the dealer.

Seven Card Stud

Unlike Texas Hold’em and Omaha, Seven Card Stud does not use community cards. You will receive a mix of face-up and face-down cards over multiple rounds of betting. The goal is to make the best five-card hand from the seven dealt cards.

Five Card Draw

Five Card Draw is one of the simplest poker variants. You’ll receive five private cards with the option to exchange some, or all, of them for new ones in an attempt to improve your hand. After one round of betting, the best hand wins.

Short Deck (Six Plus Hold’em)

Short Deck Hold’em is a variation of Texas Hold’em, but with a deck that removes all cards below six. This changes hand rankings and increases the likelihood of stronger hands forming, making it a fast-paced variant.

My take on Texas Hold’em

I decided to give Ultimate Texas Poker by TaDa Gaming a shot, and let me tell you, it was fun. The layout of the game is super simple and user-friendly, which was a huge plus. Everything was clear, and I didn't feel overwhelmed by all the extra buttons or complicated rules.

When I started playing, I quickly got the hang of it. The betting options were laid out in front of me, and the game flowed at a nice pace (10 seconds to decide on each move). I made my initial ante bet ($50) and waited for the cards to be dealt.

Now, in my first hand, I got a nice setup, a queen and an eight of diamonds. So, I could hope for another queen, three more diamonds, or even a nine, ten, and a jack combo for a straight. That’s why I clicked on ‘’check’’ to see the first three cards on the river. Then, the jack and nine appeared, with a five as well (no diamonds).

This lead me to believe that a ten will appear and I would win with a straight. But, only a sad two and a sadder five appeared on the river and I was left with a pair of fives (from the river) and a queen as a high card. Luckily, my opponent had a ten and a three, so I won.

I kept playing and the next three rounds were similar to this one - sometimes you win, sometimes you lose - deal with it. Then, the final round was a total bummer. I had an ace and a seven, which I checked once I saw the first three cards on the river - five, four, and an ace. Now, this showed me that I had a pair of aces (strong) and two more cards to make it even better.

So, after checking in on the first three cards on the river, I decided to bet 2x and gamble with my ace. But, my opponent with double twos, managed to grab this one since the 4th and 5th cards on the river were a three and a four - he took the money home with a straight.

What is video poker?

Video poker rules are based on Five Card Draw poker, and the game is played in a format that’s similar to that of a slot machine. You will compete against the computer algorithm rather than other players, aiming to form the strongest possible hand.

As soon as you place a bet, you’ll be dealt five initial cards. Choose which cards to keep and which to discard. Discarded cards are replaced with new ones. The final five-card hand determines the payout based on a pre-set paytable.

When trying to understand what is video poker, bear in mind that this includes common versions like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker. However, video poker is not necessarily the same as RNG poker. While both varieties use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to determine card distribution, there are some key differences that I’ll explain a bit further down.

How video poker works

If you’re looking for video poker tips, you first need to understand exactly how the game works and how it differs from RNG poker.

Video poker is a single-player experience focused on paytable odds.
RNG poker mimics real poker gameplay, often allowing you to bet, raise, and compete against the algorithm or online opponents.

Both games rely on randomness but offer distinct experiences tailored to different types of players. Let’s take a look at the key differences between them.

Video poker vs RNG poker

Feature	Video Poker	RNG Poker
Game Format	Based on five-card draw poker, with a single decision point (hold/discard).	Simulates real poker variants like Texas Hold'em or Omaha with betting rounds.
Opponent	You compete against a machine.	Can involve AI opponents.
Betting Structure	No multiple betting rounds, just one initial wager.	Follows real poker betting structures with raises, calls, and folds.
Strategy	Focused on deciding which cards to hold or discard for optimal payout.	Involves complex strategies, including bluffing and opponent reading.

Popular poker strategies to try

Looking for poker tips to give you an edge? I’ve gathered the best strategies both for beginners and expert players, but always bear in mind one thing: this is a game that uses knowledge, but you’ll still need a measure of luck to win! In other words, view the below as good advice, rather than a guarantee.

Poker strategies for beginners

Playing responsibly, understanding the rules, and knowing when to walk away form the basis of all good strategy in poker.

Play fewer hands and play them aggressively

Many beginners make the mistake of playing too many hands. Instead, focus on playing strong hands aggressively to maximize your winnings and apply pressure on your opponents.

Don't be the first player to limp

Limping (just calling the big blind instead of raising) is generally a weak move because it doesn’t allow you to take control of the pot. Raise instead to put pressure on your opponents.

Fold when you're unsure

One of the biggest mistakes in poker is calling too often when uncertain. When in doubt, folding is often the best option to preserve your chips.

Since you already have money in the pot, defend your big blind wisely by calling raises with hands that have potential, rather than folding too easily.

Only play if you feel like it

Poker requires focus and discipline. If you're not in the right mindset, it's better to take a break rather than making costly mistakes.

Only play in good games

Your winnings depend on the quality of your competition. Play in games where you have an edge, avoiding advanced tables with too many strong players.

Bankroll management

Even the best poker strategies are useless without proper bankroll management. Setting limits on buy-ins, knowing when to walk away, and ensuring you have enough funds to withstand variance are essential components of long-term poker success.

Advanced poker strategies

Tight-aggressive (TAG) play

This is one of the most effective and widely used poker strategies. A tight-aggressive player is selective with their hands, avoiding weak holdings, and playing aggressively when they do enter a pot. This approach allows you to control the table while minimizing risk.

Loose-aggressive (LAG) play

This involves playing a wider range of hands while maintaining an aggressive betting style. This approach keeps opponents guessing and can be highly effective if executed well. However, it requires a strong understanding of poker dynamics and excellent post-flop skills.

Bluffing and semi-bluffing

Bluffing is an essential part of poker strategy, as it allows you to win pots even when you don't have the best hand. Semi-bluffing, on the other hand, involves betting aggressively with a drawing hand that has the potential to improve, such as a flush or straight draw.

Positional awareness

Your position at the table plays a crucial role in poker strategy. Being in a later position allows you to observe opponents' actions before making a decision, giving you a strategic advantage. Playing more hands in a late position while being cautious in early positions can improve your overall win rate.

Continuation betting (C-bet)

A continuation bet occurs when a player who raised pre-flop continues their aggression with a bet on the flop, regardless of whether they improved their hand. This move puts pressure on opponents and often forces them to fold if they haven't connected with the board.

Exploiting player tendencies

Observing and exploiting the playing styles of opponents can give you a significant edge. Identifying whether an opponent is overly aggressive, too passive, or prone to calling too often can help you adjust your strategy accordingly to maximize profits.

Fast-play your strong hands to build the pot and make more money

Slow-playing can backfire. Betting and raising with strong hands ensures you build the pot and protect your hand against potential draws.

Attack when your opponent shows weakness

If your opponent checks or hesitates, it often signals a weak hand. Take advantage by making a well-timed bet or raise to take down the pot.

Play solid poker early in tournaments

Instead of focusing on just surviving, play strong poker early on to build a stack that will give you an advantage later in the tournament.

The mental game

Poker is as much a mental game as it is about strategy. Staying composed, avoiding tilt (emotional play), and maintaining focus are crucial to making sound decisions at the table.

Video poker strategies

Video poker is a slightly different case where strategy is concerned, as it involves a unique blend of poker strategy and slot machine gameplay. Since you’re playing against a machine rather than human opponents, mathematical strategy and paytable awareness are crucial. Below are my favourite video poker strategies, but keep in mind that luck plays an even stronger role here.

Learn the optimal paytable

Different video poker machines have different payout structures. Look for games with the best paytables (such as 9/6 Jacks or Better) to maximize your expected return.

Always play maximum coins

Most video poker machines offer a significant bonus for hitting a royal flush when betting the maximum number of coins. If you have the bankroll to back this, always play max coins to ensure you get the highest payout.

Hold the right cards

Knowing which cards to hold and which to discard is crucial. For example, in Jacks or Better, always keep a pair over a single high card, and don't break up a winning hand unless drawing to a royal flush.

Follow a basic strategy chart

Video poker follows a mathematical strategy. Using a video poker strategy chart for the specific game you're playing can significantly increase your odds. Most crypto gambling sites will reproduce the strategy chart for the games they’re offering.

I will be detailing my top four poker games right below, including a strategy chart for any video poker variants included.

Best poker games at crypto casinos

My top four poker games are a mix of video poker and live variants, so as to allow me to enjoy the best of both worlds. All the details below are correct for the specific casino where I tested the games, but details like RTPs and maximum and minimum wagers can vary from one operator to the other.

Joker Poker

Feature	Details
Provider	Wazdan
RTP	96.07%
Minimum Bet	$0.10
Maximum Bet	$100
Maximum Payout	$100,000
Volatility	High
Algorithm	RNG

This video poker variant incorporates a 53-card deck, featuring a standard 52-card setup plus a single Joker, which acts as a wild card. This key difference from traditional Jacks or Better pushes up the volatility considerably.

You are dealt five cards and you can choose to hold or discard any number of them, with a final draw determining the outcome. The inclusion of the Joker increases the chances of forming stronger hands, as it can substitute for any missing card to complete winning combinations. The lowest qualifying hand is typically Kings or Better, rather than Jacks or Better, due to the presence of the Joker.

The game offers a progressive payout structure, where hands such as Five of a Kind (only possible with the Joker) provide some of the highest rewards. Betting options usually range from 1 to 5 coins per round, with the maximum payout reserved for a Royal Flush with no wilds, following a traditional video poker paytable.

The game also includes a gamble feature, allowing you to double your winnings by correctly guessing the color or suit of a hidden card. You can play Joker Poker at Flush casino.

Joker Poker strategy chart

Your hand	Action
Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pairs	Keep the hand.
Joker with Four to Royal Flush	Hold the four cards to a Royal Flush and draw one.
Joker with Straight or Flush Draw	Hold the Joker and the four suited or sequential cards.
Joker with Three of a Kind	Hold the Joker and the three matching cards, draw two.
Joker with Two Pairs	Hold the Joker and the two pairs, draw one.
Jacks or Better	Hold the pair, discard the rest.
Pair	Hold the pair, discard the rest.
Four cards to a Flush	Hold the four suited cards, draw one.
Three cards to a Royal Flush	Hold the three suited high cards, discard the rest.
Ace, Queen, King, Jack from different suits	Hold the highest card, discard the rest.
Single Joker	Hold the Joker, discard the rest.
Nothing (No Joker, no pairs)	Discard all five cards and draw new ones.

Jacks or Better

Feature	Details
Provider	Microgaming
RTP	99%
Minimum Bet	$0.25
Maximum Bet	$25 per hand
Maximum Payout	4,000x
Volatility	Low
Algorithm	RNG

Microgaming's Jacks or Better is a classic video poker game that follows a traditional 52-card deck format with no wilds, adhering to the standard rules where you must achieve at least a pair of Jacks to secure a payout.

The game features a simple grid, allowing you to bet between 1 and 5 coins per round, with the maximum payout of 4,000 coins available for a royal flush at the highest bet level. Microgaming offers payouts of 9:1 for a full house and 6:1 for a flush, ensuring a whopping RTP of approximately 99.54% when played optimally.

The game includes a gamble feature where you can try to double your winnings by predicting the color or suit of a hidden card. Here’s the strategy chart reproduced for easy reference.

Jacks Or Better strategy chart

Your Hand	Action
Royal Flush	Hold all
Straight Flush	Hold all
Four of a Kind	Hold all
Full House	Hold all
Flush	Hold all
Straight	Hold all
Three of a Kind	Hold all
Two Pair	Hold all
High Pair (Jacks or Better)	Hold pair
Low Pair	Hold pair
Four Cards to a Royal Flush	Hold four cards
Four Cards to a Straight Flush	Hold four cards
Three Cards to a Royal Flush	Hold three cards
Four Cards to a Flush	Hold four cards
Four Cards to an Outside Straight	Hold four cards
Three Cards to a Straight Flush	Hold three cards
Two High Cards	Hold two high cards
One High Card	Hold one high card
Random Cards	Discard all

Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker

Feature	Details
Provider	Evolution
RTP	99.57%
Minimum Bet	$0.50
Maximum Bet	$10,000
Maximum Payout	Depends on bet types
Volatility	Medium
Algorithm	Live Dealer

Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, also by Evolution, is a live dealer variant of the popular Texas Hold’em. Unlike the latter, this version removes the need for bluffing and reading opponents, focusing purely on strategy and probability as you only play against the dealer.

The game begins with an Ante bet, after which both the player and the dealer receive two hole cards. You then have the option to make a Flop bet (2x the Ante) before the first three community cards are revealed. A Turn bet (equal to the Ante) and a River bet (also equal to the Ante) can be placed as the final two community cards are dealt. If you fold, you forfeit all bets made up to that point.

A particularly lucrative feature of this game is the bonus side bet, which pays out based on the player's initial two hole cards, with high-value combinations like a pair of Aces offering the highest payouts.

Caribbean Stud Poker

Feature	Details
Provider	Evolution
RTP	96.3%
Minimum Bet	$0.50
Maximum Bet	$4,000
Maximum Payout	Depends on bet types
Volatility	High
Algorithm	Live Dealer

Evolution’s live dealer Caribbean Stud Poker offers real-time gameplay with professional dealers. It’s played with a standard 52-card deck and follows traditional rules as you compete against the dealer, aiming to form the best five-card poker hand.

The dealer must qualify with at least an Ace-King combination for the round to proceed. Evolution kicks the adrenalin a notch above with features like optional side bets, including the 5+1 Bonus, which pays out if the player's five cards and the dealer’s first face-up card form a three-of-a-kind or better. The Progressive Jackpot side bet offers a chance to land a massive payout in one fell swoop, with a Royal Flush triggering the top prize and smaller payouts available for lower-ranked premium hands.

Sources

Poker Strategy Guide: Tactics & Theory of Texas Hold'em

Poker Strategy

New world record for longest poker game

Online Poker

How Nixon’s WWII Poker Game Helped Bankroll His First Run for Congress

Largest prize pool for an online poker tournament