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Online Poker Games

Poker is a super popular activity worldwide. It combines strategy, suspense, and the chance to test one’s skills against other players. Nearly everyone knows this iconic game, from casual games around the table to the high-stakes action of the World Series of Poker.

The online scene offers unique variants you won’t often find in local casinos, giving participants more options to hone their gameplay and enjoy the benefits of the session. In this guide, we’ll tell you about the most popular poker variants and strategies you need to hold all the aces!

Online Poker Explained

Virtual poker brings the same game you know from the casino floor to your screen, letting you enjoy all the action without leaving your place. Moreover, as more and more users prefer on-the-go playtime, you can always download the mobile poker app and have fun from any place you are.

You’ll find the same rules and gameplay minus the ability to read the other players’ faces directly. However, online poker has its perks — you can access a broader selection of game types and skill levels that are rarely available locally.

Real Money Poker Online: Variants

Online poker real money allows you to play many alternatives at the same casino. Live dealer casinos have a rich offer of broadcasting games, so you will surely find the one you like. The titles have their own set of rules and formats, so if you’re new to online poker, it’s a good idea to go over them before starting.

Texas Hold’em

It is probably the most popular game variant in the world. The title is easy to play, with a simple set of rules. Each player is dealt two cards, which are called the hole cards. After that, another 3 cards are dealt at the table, followed by the river and the turn card.

The goal of each hand is to have the best possible combination of your two cards and the five community cards. The player with the best combination wins the hand.

Omaha Poker

It is another famous game that is similar to the previous option. Here, each participant is dealt a total of four cards. After that, another five community cards are dealt. Each player must decide on which cards to combine for the best possible combination. You need to use two of your cards and combine them with 3 of the community cards for the final 5 combination hands.

The main reason why many players like this alternative is that you can have several possible combinations, due to the high number of cards. This makes the gameplay more exciting as you need to use a bit of strategy to get the best possible hands.

Seven-Card Stud

It is a classic poker variant that stands apart from the previous two. The main difference is that there are no community cards at all. Players are dealt a mix of face-up and face-down cards across each betting round, aiming to create the best five-card hand from the seven cards they receive.

In the first round, you are dealt two face-down cards and a single face-up card. After that, you get another three face-ups; the last one is dealt face-down. Based on the cards, you can guess the hand each player is holding.

2-7 Triple Draw

If you are used to playing the widely-known game options, this one will have your head spinning. A Royal Flush is unbeatable in other versions, but it’s the worst hand possible here. The main aim is to create the lowest hand, making a Royal Flush an automatic loss. Known as ‘Lowball’ or ‘Razz’ poker, this version flips traditional strategy on its head, where aiming for the weakest hand makes you the winner.

You are dealt 5 cards and choose how many to keep or discard with each round. There are 3 draws, where you can discard up to 5 cards on each draw. Although initially confusing, once you become a skilled player, 2-7 Triple Draw can be a fun real money online poker variant to enjoy.

Chinese Poker

It is a unique alternative to poker online for real money. The game is usually played with 4 participants, where the entire deck of cards is dealt. Each receives 13 of them in total. From those 13, you need to combine 3 hands.

By the rules, the top hand consists of three cards and is the weakest one. The middle one is from 5 cards and has to beat your top hand. The last 5 cards are for the bottom hand; it has to beat your middle one. After that, the cards are revealed and compared to the other players at the table.

Picking the Real Money Poker Games for You

Before deciding on the best online poker real money variant for you, it’s always a good idea to research and see what each has to offer. Pay attention to the rules and pick a title according to your skill set.

Ultimate Texas Hold’em is a popular and straightforward alternative. You just need to learn the winning combinations and the payouts, and you can start playing online. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a suitable activity for you.

Skill Level and Experience

The Texas Hold’em is the ideal starting point if you’re a newbie. The game is easy to learn and comes with simple rules. However, skilled players often go for other variants, where skill is a significant factor. Experienced users know how to read the table, how many outs there are based on the cards, and can guess what the rest of the participants might be holding.

Game Pace and Stakes

The rate and the stakes’ size can be another significant factor in determining which real money poker games are your cup of tea. Some users prefer slower gameplay, giving them enough time to contemplate their bets and plan the next move.

On the other hand, skilled users may go for turbo tournaments, where you play fast and can cover many hands quickly.

Game Goals (Casual vs. Competitive)

Most of those who play poker online today prefer casual cash games on low to medium stakes. This allows them to stay in the action for a longer time and with a smaller bankroll. You can still make a nice profit if the cards favour you and spend your time having fun with your favourite online poker games.

However, high-stakes activities are the pinnacle of intensity and skill for those who take poker seriously. They buy in with significant amounts, creating a nerve-racking environment where every move carries weight. With large sums on the line, such poker with real money combines razor-sharp strategy with relentless focus, as one winning hand could mean a substantial payoff.

Pros & Cons of Real Money Poker

There are many pluses to playing such cash games at online casinos in Europe. But like any other activity, there are also a few minuses. Here are the most notable ones.

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  • Numerous variants to choose from

  • Low-stakes options perfect for newbies

  • Various unique bonuses

  • Possibility to play anytime from anywhere

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  • Lacks the excitement of playing at the real table

  • Risk of excessive play

Famous Poker Tournaments

Tournaments are the go-to place for skilled poker enthusiasts. Depending on the format and the rules, you compete against other players. The luckiest and most experienced ones reach the end table and reap the massive real money rewards.

Online casino sites host a wide variety of tournaments and formats, giving you plenty of options to suit your playing style and skill level. Here are a few of the most popular online poker tournaments you might encounter.

Freezeout Tournaments

These are typically high-stakes competitions where each participant starts with an equal number of chips and competes to stay in the game. You’re out once your chips are gone; there is no re-buy to keep you going. Players who advance eventually reach the final table, where one player usually emerges as the ultimate winner. This format is intense and strategic, demanding careful play as the field narrows.

Re-Buy and Re-Entry Tournaments

Such tournaments start the same as the freezeout ones. You buy-in for a certain amount of chips and play at the table. But in this format, you can re-buy more once you lose your starting chips. This way, you can play longer and have a chance to progress to the next table. But if luck isn’t on your side, you can end up losing all of your buy-ins. Many of these incorporate knockout poker structures, offering rewards for eliminating other players, which can lead to significant rewards.

Freeroll Tournaments

These are a great starting point for newbies, as there is no entry fee, and you get to play for free. These tournaments come with small cash prizes for the most successful players. Even though you can’t get any big wins in these tournaments, they are a great way to get experience and move on to higher-stakes competitions. Freerolls sometimes come as multi-table tournaments, giving an authentic experience at no cost and helping beginners understand game dynamics.

Real Money Poker Strategies

When you play online poker at the best online casino sites, both luck and skill are essential for success. The most popular poker players in the world know the mathematics behind each hand, the possible outcomes, and use everything they can to their advantage. Here are the main areas to master.

Bankroll Management

All experienced poker players know that bankroll management is crucial for a successful session. You should stay clear of the high-stakes tables if you’re a greenhorn with a modest gaming budget. A few losing hands there, and you can easily go bust.

You have to choose the game and the bets you place to last longer and gradually build up your bankroll. Once you have enough, you can move on to tables with higher stakes. Additionally, set a clear budget for each session. If you reach your limit, it’s wise to take a break and try again later.

Betting and Bluffing Tactics

If you’re playing poker against other participants, you must know how to read the table. Often, the winner of the hand isn’t the one with the best cards. It’s the one bluffing to represent the strongest hand. This is a skill which is not mastered easily, so you need a lot of practice.

Another essential detail is to learn how to manage your bets. Knowing when to raise, call and check can be crucial to bringing a bigger number of chips to the pot when you have a strong hand. Pros can easily draw you to go all in when they know they have the top hand.

Mastering Odds and Probability

Understanding the mathematics behind a poker game is another influential factor. Based on your cards and the community ones, you can determine the ins and outs and know what your odds are of winning the hand. Like a basic betting strategy in blackjack, poker comes with its own rules.

Knowing the odds and the probability of the hands will help you make better and more informed bets. This approach enables you to play with a clearer understanding of your chances, giving you an edge in each hand.

Bonuses at the Best Real Money Poker Sites

Poker bonuses are a great way to increase your starting bankroll. Many of the best online poker sites for real money will give you a match bonus on top of your deposit. With this extra, you can extend your playtime at higher-stakes tables, increasing your chances of building a profit and gaining more experience. At some casinos, you can even get a €50 no deposit bonus and use it to play your favourite titles. There are many more incentives you can expect; some of them are described below.

Welcome Bonuses

This reward is given to newcomers once they sign up on the website and their initial top-ups. In most cases, this is a match deposit bonus, which can be 100%, 200% or even more.

So if you fund your account with €100, the casino will give you an additional €100 in bonus funds to play the poker games. Such promos come with specific terms attached, so make sure to read them before claiming.

Reload and Cashback Bonuses

These types of deals are reserved for regular users and only after you claim the welcome bonus. The reload bonus, a popular offer at many poker sites, is often available weekly and can be redeemed on certain days to boost funds on subsequent deposits.

The cashback bonus allows you to recover some of your losses over a certain period. Usually offered as a percentage of your lost top-up (sometimes even 100%), it allows you to try your luck playing poker again, offering a chance to recoup part of what was lost in previous sessions.

Freeroll Entry Tickets

You can get free entry tickets to freeroll tournaments at many poker sites. This allows you to become a part of it without any cost. Freerolls are a great way to test skills and earn some prizes along the way.

The rewards here aren’t often very high, but they can be enough for a buy-in at the tables later and maybe a chance to make some significant profit.

Online Poker Payment Methods

Today, most online poker sites offer a wide variety of payment options to suit players’ needs. You’ll find popular options like credit and debit cards, and many players appreciate the convenience of e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Some sites even support cryptocurrency as a deposit method, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, providing added security and fast transactions. The broader the range of transaction modes a poker site offers, the better it can cater to diverse preferences, ensuring every player finds a convenient way to manage deposits and withdrawals.

Play Poker FAQ for Beginners and Pros

What is the best online poker title for beginners?

Based on our experience, Texas Hold’Em is the preferred alternative for beginners. Its no-brainer rules make it easy to grasp, and the gameplay itself is accessible without the complexity of more advanced variants.

Can I play online poker for real money safely?

Yes, all the brands where you can play poker on our rating are licensed and reputable, so you can pick one or several at a time for your next session.

How can I improve my online poker skills?

Practice makes perfect. To be the best at poker you need to know all the rules, practising bankroll management, etc. Additionally, watching tutorials or streams by pros can offer insights to refine your game.

What are the most popular online poker tournaments?

There are many popular poker tournaments; it all depends on what you are looking for. Newbies can go for freerolls to get more experience, while skilled players can pick the re-buy format.

Which deposit method is the most secure for online poker?

All the platforms from our list are reputable, offering the best possible cash games and options for safe money transfers. E-wallets and crypto wallets are considered secure deposit method alternatives since you don’t directly share your details with the casino.

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