Play Internet Poker

You already know about Internet poker and how popular it has become. You probably think that Internet poker is all about Texas Hold'em, since that's the game everyone seems to be playing. Nothing can be further from the truth. Although all Internet poker sites feature Texas Hold'em, and it is certainly the most popular game to play, there are many other options for the Internet poker player.

Most Internet Poker sites feature Omaha and Omaha hi-low. Omaha is a variant of Texas Hold'em where you get four cards instead of two, and must use exactly two of your cards in combination with three on the board to make your best hand. This game lends itself well to Internet play because you are not required to remember four cards or continue to look back at your hand, which can be awkward and unwieldy. All four of your cards are displayed on the screen and of course no one else can see them. Be careful when switching from Texas Hold'em to Omaha. Because so many cards are in play, you need a much stronger hand to win in Omaha than in regular Texas Hold'em. If there is a pair on the board, you need a full house to win. If the are three of a suit, you must have the nut flush. Also be careful when reading your hand. Remember that you can only use two of your cards and three of the board cards. If there are four of a suit on the board and you have the ace of that suit in your hand, you do not have a flush as you would in Texas Hold'em unless you also hold another card of that suit. In Omaha hi-low, the best high hand splits with the best low hand, with aces counting as low and straights and flushes not counting against your low, so the best low hand is ace through five. Again, usually the best possible low is required to win the low half.

Some sites also feature Draw poker. If you are a Draw player, one of the only places you can still find a game is on the Internet, so keep an eye out for those sites that feature this classic poker game. You may also find Pineapple, another Hold'em variant, this one with three cards, one of which is discarded early in the hand, or even Badugi, a somewhat complex four card low poker variation.

Of course most sites have the classic Seven Card Stud variety of poker. This is another good Internet game as it is easier to keep track of all the cards that are out on a computer screen, and this is a crucial ability for successful Seven Card Stud play. While these tables don't see as much traffic as the Texas Hold'em tables, the bigger sites usually have plenty of good Seven Card Stud tables on which you can try your luck.

So get out there and start playing some Internet poker. It's not just for Texas Hold'em specialists anymore (and it really never was). Also experience the online multiplayer poker, and poker etiquette is part of playing poker. Whether you’re playing off or online.

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Play Internet Poker