When playing
poker, a knowledge of probability is very important. The
chances of receiving a hand of one pair or better are approximately
1 in 2, 1 in 5 for a pair of jacks of better, increasing to 1 in 590
for a full house or better. The odds against improving the
original hand in Draw Poker vary from 2 1/2 to 1 (improving a pair
by drawing three cards) to 1,080 to 1 (to convert a pair and an ace
into four by drawing two cards). When considering Five Card
Stud after 12 cards have been dealt face up, the odds against
pairing an ace are 6 to 1 if none of the dealt cards were an ace and
10 to 1 if one was in fact an ace. Poker betting decisions are based on
the ratio of expected profit to the amount bet and on the chances of
winning. If a bet of one chip can result in winnings of 10
chips (10 to 1 odds) and the chances of winning seem to be 1 in 6,
the odds would appear to be favorable, and would therefore be a good
bet. Although knowing the mathematics of the game is very
important, it is crucial to know the characteristic playing habits
of fellow players. This knowledge and "feeling" can only be
acquired through experience. The poker rooms listed on this
page and throughout the site provide a perfect training ground for
the first time or beginning poker player as well as the seasoned
professional.
POKER The game of poker has many different variations, each variation of
poker having different sets of rules and ways of playing. Each
of these different variations thus requires different strategies and
different approaches to game play. Below are a sampling of the
different games of poker and descriptions as well as rules and
strategies for each poker variation.
5 Card Stud
7 Card Stud
Texas hold'em
Omaha Poker
One on One |
