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Casinos that offer poker simply provide the tables and dealers, and
charge the players an hourly fee or take a percentage of the pot; players
gamble against each other. The games usually offered are Seven Card
Stud and Texas Hold 'Em.
Unlike video poker, where the goal is
to get the highest paying hand, the object in "live" poker
is to beat your opponents. Often times relatively weak hands, such as
a pair of aces, two pair, or three of a kind, are sufficient to win
the pot. The skill in winning at poker lies in the ability to not only
judge the quality of your hand, but those of your opponents.
Although not every poker player is a
novice-eating shark, many of the regulars are experts, so beginners
should test the waters in low-stakes games or take a few lessons (most
casinos offer them free of charge) before taking on the pros. Even after
lessons, it's a good idea to watch a game for, say, 20 or 30 minutes,
so you understand the method of play.
SEVEN CARD STUD
Most beginners start with seven card
stud. It's simple to learn, and the betting sequence provides for substantial
pots. Play begins with the dealer giving each player two cards face
down, and then one card face up. The player with the lowest card showing
makes the first bet. Other players can match the bet, increase the bet
or withdraw.
Another card is dealt face up, and the
player with the highest hand showing starts this round of betting. This
is repeated until four cards have been dealt face up. The seventh and
final card is dealt to the players who have remained in the game, and
the final round of betting begins. During this "show down,"
players may "raise" a bet up to three times. When the last
bet is covered or "called," the dealer calls for the showing
of hands and the highest hand wins.
RECOMMENDED STRATEGY
Experts believe the first three cards dealt nearly always determine
the outcome of the game. Therefore, playing the first three cards
is the most important part of the poker game. If none of the combinations
described below are dealt in the first three cards, drop out.
Three of a kind: The odds are about 400 to 1, but it does happen.
Play the hand, covering all bets, but don't raise until the sixth
card. You want the pot to build, as you have a winning hand in most
games.
A pair of aces or kings: A good starting point, but watch the table
for cards that will improve your hand. If they appear, your chances
of winning are reduced. After the fifth card, if betting is heavy
and you have not increased the value of your hand, drop out.
A pair of queens or jacks: An open pair (one card showing) reduces
the value of your hand. Again, if betting is heavy after the fifth
card and you have not bettered your hand, drop out.
Three cards to a straight flush: A very good start because there
are several ways to improve it. Bet or raise during the first round.
But after the fifth card, if you have not drawn a card to the straight
flush, flush or straight, drop out.
Three cards to a flush: With this hand you should complete the flush
in one out of six hands. Hold it until the fifth card is dealt. If
you have not received another card in your suit, drop out.
A low pair (tens or less), three high cards (ace, king, queen or
jack), or three cards to a straight: After the fourth card, if you
have not increased the hand's value, drop out. You must have good
cards to work with. Wait until the next hand; don't bet your whole
bankroll on a losing hand.
TEXAS HOLD 'EM
Texas Hold 'Em is considered the game
of choice among professional poker players. High stakes games are played
daily in Las Vegas casinos, but the biggest of them all is the World
Series of Poker held every year at Binion's Horseshoe.
The game is very similar to seven card
stud, except only two of the seven cards are dealt to the player; the
other five are dealt face up, and used collectively by all players.
The play begins with the dealer giving
each player two cards face-down. The player next to the dealer is required
to start the betting; the other players will match his bet or withdraw.
Incidentally, it's not uncommon in these high stakes games to see players
leave early, often after receiving only two or three cards.
The dealer discards or "burns"
the top card from the deck, then deals three cards face up in the center
of the table - this deal is called the "flop." Another round
of betting is completed. The dealer then burns another card and adds
a fourth face-up card to the center. Once again, there's a round of
betting.
Finally, a fifth face-up card is dealt
to the center. Each player can now determine his or her hand, based
on the two face down cards and the five community cards in the center
of the table. A final round of betting occurs, along with a sho wdown
and revealing of hands. Once again, the highest hand wins.
RECOMMENDED STRATEGY
The strategy for Texas Hold 'Em is similar
to seven card stud, except it's based on your first two cards. If you're
dealt none of the combinations below, drop out.
A pair of aces: This is the best starting hand. Hold and bet from
the first round.
A pair of kings: Another very good hand. Hold and bet from the first
round.
A pair of queens or jacks: Hold and cover all bets until the fourth
up card is dealt. If you have not increased the value of your hand,
drop out.
Two high value cards (ace, king or queen): Hold and cover all bets
until the fourth up card is dealt. If you haven't bettered your hand,
drop out.
Two high value cards of the same suit: Hold until the fourth up card
and if you haven't increased the value of your hand, drop out.
A small pair (tens or less): Hold until the fourth up card; if you
haven't increased its value drop out.
Generally, if you haven't received a pair of aces or better - two pair,
three of a kind, etc. - after the fourth up card is dealt, drop out. Seldom
is a hand won by less than a pair of aces. |
