-how to play poker-
Choosing a game
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Now we are in the virtual club. This is the main window. It’s called the «lobby».
In the centre of the screen is a scroll down list. From left to right are the games. Hold’Em, Omaha, Omaha H/L, Soko 7-card Poker and other games.
By clicking on them you can choose any game you like.
Because Texas Hold’Em is most popular with players, let’s take it as an example on how to choose a table, sit down, make a bet etc. Firstly, because we are going to learn how to use the programme interface, we will play without a risk to our pocket and play for “fun”.
Playing with virtual money
Click on Hold’Em.
Keep going down the page under the column “Name”. These are the names of the tables. Soon you will see tables that are called «Fun money». These are tables that play with virtual money.
Let’s find a free seat. The column «#» shows the number of seats at the table and the column «Plrs» – number of players.
Here is a tip to help you to cope with this task quickly. This is what I do:
Click on «Plrs». The number of players on each table will be shown in descending order. Now it’s easier to look for an available seat.
When choosing a table please pay attention to the size of blinds. This is a second column on the table – “Stakes”.
So, we have found a table. Click twice on the name of the table, and the poker table will appear on your screen.
First, we can just watch the game and size up your opponents. Each playing position displays the player’s name and the player’s amount of money.
Click on “Seat open”. The program asks for your login and password.
Tick the box and the program will remember your login and password. The next time you go to a table you only need to press “OK”!
The program asks you how many chips you would like to start playing with, fill in the amount.
As soon as the “ dealer button” has completed a full circle relative to you, the program will automatically include you in the playing process and post a big “blind”. If you don’t want to wait, select «Post blind now» at the bottom of the table. The program will post your big blind for the next hand. Now get ready to play.
Time to think is limited. The program’s sound signal will tell you to hurry up. When it’s your time to bet you will see the necessary buttons at the bottom of the screen: “Fold”, “Check”, “Raise”, “Bet”. Bet value can be changed by scrolling the indicator up to the maximum bet (all-in).
If you have already made a decision, you don’t have to wait for your turn or the appropriate buttons to appear on the screen, you can make your choice by marking one of the boxes with a tick. When it’s your time to bet, the program will play for you unless the betting strategy has changed. In that case you will have to play your turn.
Of course, playing for fun doesn’t really reflect the pressure and tension of a poker game. Players often go “all-in” pre-flop. In most cases, it’all down to pure luck. Playing with virtual money is completely different to playing with real money. Play for fun, learn where all the buttons are and how the program works, then you can try playing with real money.
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Next: Deposits and withdrawals | Value of bets | Commission (rake)