So, you’ve taken an interest in online poker? That’s great! Coral online casino is here to teach you all the tropes of online poker games, but before we get started, let’s clarify what is online poker. It is a poker game available at online casinos like Coral, a card game played between several online players, with the dealer not partaking in the game itself.

Online poker comes in many variations. The most popular one is Texas Hold’em, but you can also enjoy Omaha, 5 Card Draw or 7 Card Stud. The idea is to beat all the participants with the strongest poker hand after multiple deals and actions. Once you master the basics of online poker, you’ll be able to try out Coral’s poker download client with top online games and fun poker tournaments.

As a novice, you should know that online poker can support up to 6 players. Texas Hold’em is the most prominent poker game online and at Coral, so let’s break down how it works. The main thing to remember is that the best five-card hand wins!

The basic version of online poker relies on the simple concept of two player cards and community cards. During the game, the players combine their two cards (also known as hole cards) with the community cards to form the best poker hand possible. This makes Texas Hold’em a straightforward card game suitable for beginners.

We are sure you’ll pick up all the essential bits and pieces after reading our complete guide. Nevertheless, we bring a line-up of poker hand rankings to remember, from the strongest to the weakest:

• Royal Flush - Five consecutive cards of the same suit, from 10 to Ace.
• Straight Flush - Any five cards of the same suit in consecutive order.
• Four of a Kind - Four of the same cards in different suits. In other words, all four cards are of the same rank.
• Full House - Three of a Kind in combination with a Pair.
• Flush - Five cards of the same suit in any order (not in sequence).
• Straight - Five cards of sequential numerical value, but different suits.
• Three of a Kind - The hand contains three cards of the same rank in three different suits.
• Two Pair - The hand contains two different sets of two cards of matching ranks.
• Pair - The hand contains a single pair of cards of different suits but the same rank.
• High Card - The highest card carries the entire five-card hand because no other combination is possible.

Before any cards are dealt, Small Blind and Big Blind bets have to be placed, as these serve to propel the round. Poker is an intelligent game that involves both skill and luck, so relax and let’s dive into a round of Texas Hold’em online poker.

The road to securing a strong poker hand begins with dealing the hole cards. Each player at the poker table receives two cards they can look at, but other participants cannot see. With the two cards in hand, the players now enter the first betting cycle called the pre-flop. At this stage, they can call, raise or fold. What do these actions mean?

• Call means to match the previous player’s bet.
• Raise means to increase the size of the existing bet within the same betting round.
• Fold means forfeiting the hand, giving up on any previously made bets.

After the first betting round is over, the dealer (or software) provides three cards at the centre of the table. This stage is called the flop. Now players act again based on their hole cards and the three available community cards. Once again, the options are to raise, call or fold. Sometimes the players can also check, which means to reserve the right to bet later.

The second betting cycle is the post-flop. When it ends, the turn ensues. It is the stage during which the fourth community card becomes available.

The remaining players now decide upon their next move based upon the best possible hand they can make. Finally, there is another betting round, and then the fifth card is dealt for all players to use. Now there is nothing more to do but compare all the hands and determine which player holds the strongest poker combination.

Since poker is such a versatile gambling game, people have tried to think of many strategies and tactics for all sorts of poker games online. There really isn’t a single poker strategy or betting system that can work consistently. You need to develop as a player and learn how to improve your decisions and betting tendencies for the most favourable results in online poker.

The most common tips include:

• Practice at the “beginner” tables reserved for players who are new to online poker. These tables feature slower gameplay and a levelled community of players with similar competencies.
• As a beginner, you should only play decent hands and fold most hands before the flop.
• Be sure that you know the game rules. You need to know “what beats what”, so keep referring to the hand rankings chart until you know them by heart.

You don't always need the best hand to win. If you bet high enough and cause everyone else to fold, you can be the winner! Of course, this should be something to consider after you’ve exited the “beginner” category and become more versed in online poker.

Blinds - Mandatory bets at the beginning of an online poker game (Small Blind and Big Blind). Players at specific positions at the table make these bets.

Check - Not performing any action during the betting round.

Community Cards - Cards dealt face-up on the table to be used by all players.

Flop - The stage when the first three community cards are revealed/dealt.

Omaha - A popular online poker variant in which players receive four-card hands and play with five community cards.

River - The stage when the fifth community card is placed on the table.

Royal Flush - The best poker hand, 10-J-Q-K-A in the same suit.

Showdown - The part of the game where players reveal and compare hands to determine the winner.

Coral Poker is a platform where you can start from zero and become a hero. You can also pick up where you left and enjoy alternative ways of playing poker online. By offering scheduled tournaments, fast-paced games, Sit & Go's, Hot Tables and traditional Texas Hold’em and Omaha games, Coral does not compromise when it comes to tier 1 poker play. Poker indeed requires skill and involvement, but these features make it attractive and thrilling. So, now that you know the basics give some poker options at Coral UK a go. Perhaps you’re a hidden poker talent about to bloom!