Poker is a game that is popular in both the online and land-based casino versions. However, online poker has a definite advantage over its counterpart because of the bonus options that are on offer from online casino sites. Due to the large number of online poker rooms, competition is fierce, and some of them offer very generous bonuses to attract new customers.

The poker bonuses can be broadly divided into three types: no-deposit bonus, deposit bonus and sign-up bonus. The no-deposit bonus is essentially offered to a player to allow him to try out the poker site for free. A free amount would definitely encourage the player to visit the site and play the game, though some sites require a deposit to withdraw the earnings from the deposit amount.

One of the quickest bonuses that are on offer is the sign-up bonus. The money is received as soon as a player signs up with a poker room. Though these bonuses are quite popular, these are generally offered for a short time and vary from time to time. A player needs to analyse the various bonuses on offer before selecting the best one.

One of the most common types of poker bonuses is the deposit bonus, wherein an amount is offered as soon as the deposit is made into an account. The amount and the conditions that are attached to the amount vary between casino sites. Some online casinos will match the deposit made up to a certain limit, which can be very generous.

It is highly recommended that a player takes full advantage of the bonus options and starts playing the game with free money or with an amount higher than the deposit amount. A player needs to understand the rules and requirements that are tied to these bonuses and choose the best one.

Semi-bluff

A semi-bluff is a lot less dangerous than a full bluff. This is because the cards you have could still make a good hand, just not at the present time of playing them. If your opponent does happen to call you out on your ‘bluff’, you could still be alright if you get a good turn or a river card. The semi-bluff is played after the flop.

Full bluff

You think you’re ready to go full bluff? The aim of a bluff is to get your opponents to fold by making them think you have a better hand than them, even if you don’t. Keeping the infamous poker face, and being able to perfect it, is very important. How do you do this? Well, firstly, keep yourself constrained. Getting too emotional can be sure sign that something is up. Also, it’s a good idea to master a deadpan face – that is a face that doesn’t show any emotion. Getting something to conceal your face, like a scarf, could be a good idea too. Happy bluffing!

Over the years, some poker variants have gained more popularity and player recognition than the others. With that in mind, here’s a quick look at some of the games that are a must-try:

Texas Hold’em

This is a variant that has become synonymous with poker itself. It is played everywhere, right from friendly gatherings to the more serious competitions. One reason for its success is its simplicity. The beginners have no problems picking it up, while the more advanced players can improvise and tweak strategies for maximum gains. It is a complete package that never disappoints.

Omaha

Also known as Omaha High, the action-filled variant of poker has been climbing the popularity ladder over the past few years, fuelled by the attention-deficit millennial crowd. The game offers a constant buzz that plays well to its audience. More and more players are turning to Omaha as a second option.

Seven Card Stud

Once upon a time, Seven Card Stud was the darling of the pokeratti, the focal point of all players. And then, like a Hollywood star of the silent era, the game faded away with the arrival of newer, simpler, and more exciting varieties. It is still recalled and played by a select few, which makes the variant an ideal choice for some poker variety.

Razz

This is enfant terrible, or rebel of the poker world, Razz requires you to have the lowest hand rather than the highest. This makes for a very interesting game.

So Why Are Casino Games So Popular?

Casino games are a popular way to wind down and relax at the end of a busy day or night at work, and if played well, casino games can be a way to increase monthly income. They are also a way to increase mental agility and knowledge of statistical probability, which could then be applied to other aspects of life, leading to success in other hobbies or in a career. Online casino games can be played at any time and from anywhere in the world, on the move or from home, which is an ideal prospect for workers who keep unsociable hours. There is a huge range of games available, which means the variety is there even for a regular player to play many different games on a regular basis. Slots in particular have a massive range of themes, styles and storylines, making them one of the most popular types of casino game. With the technology available today, and more and more people working from home, abroad or on the move, casino games are only likely to increase in popularity and also in variety. The many new technologies which are being developed will no doubt contribute in the future to new and exciting applications and ways in which these games can be played.

The How-To List

Having pored over gambling strategies and picked the brains of experts, we have compiled a short and snappy how-to list for your reading pleasure:

• Step 1 – Focus on Online Casinos

Thank goodness for online casinos. They have landed the many pleasures of gambling right on our doorstep. But they are also ripe for the picking. Take a close look at some of the odds they offer, especially in the table-based games, and you know that they can be overcome.

• Step 2 – ‘Stay Away From’ Slots

Online slots offer poor odds to the player. Avoid them. Instead, focus on the live games such as blackjack and baccarat – which brings us to our third step.

• Step 3 – Play Blackjack

The odds here are low for the house and high for you, provided you can take advantage. Skill and strategy are your close allies. We also hear the ghost-whisper of card counting.

• Step 4 – Step Away

Knowing when to step away is the most crucial of all strategies. Do not make the mistake of pushing your luck and letting the house get back at you.

What Else Needs To Be Thought Of?

Many things, for example mental agility, calculation of probability, statistical probability etc. all need to be digested and understood before embarking on the path of sports betting, and are all attributes that will improve with time and experience.

Playing to win or for fun?

What every new player should decide for themselves is whether they want to play for fun and to entertain themselves, or at the professional level – which is playing to win. But, of course, no one wants to lose in either scenario. Making this decision will help you know the level at which you want to learn.

Making Sound Decisions

Even the best players lose, but the number of times will vary. There is always the risk of losing while playing. This strategy tells you to know your limits. Don’t always expect to win; play within your limitations; do not base your play on the amount of winnings you might achieve.

Understand the Different Styles of Play

As people learn to play, they pick up the styles and strategies which are best suited to them. This is one of the aspects of this game that makes it so interesting to play and watch. Most of the basic styles are a combination of these steps:

• Tight: this involves players not indulging in taking too many risks. They play with caution.
• Loose: this is the opposite of tight. Players are prepared to gamble, and do not let the risks burden them.
• Aggressive: this play involves loads of betting and putting other players under pressure.
• Passive: This play is the opposite of aggressive. Here, the player allows other players to call the play.

Find your strategy and hone your skills to become the best poker player you can be!

Poker Tournaments

There are many poker tournaments both online and in the real world and a good idea for online players is to look into freeroll events. These tournaments are all about strategy and skill, but don’t let that scare you because the prizes can be very impressive. What is special about these kinds of events is that players will get a bonus amount to play for, which means it is not necessary to make a deposit into your account. You can basically play for free. There is lots of advice online about these tournaments and it’s a good idea to do a little reading before you enter one.

The Growing Trend of E-Sports

This industry has gotten so big today that there are a number of events to choose from if you are a dedicated e-sports fan. According to the experts the most recent Dota 2 tournament offered as much as €20 million worth of prizes. There are also two professional competitions under the name League of Legends Championship Series, where 20 teams compete for the win in this popular game with one taking place in North America and the other in Europe.

How to Get Access to the Competitions

People from all over the world attend these kinds of tournaments at physical locations and you can also stream many popular live events or watch them on channels such as ESPN. The industry has been growing rapidly and there are no signs of it slowing down anytime soon.

Poker is a type of card game that has manifested itself in a variety of ways. Most of the versions are played with a similar set of rules and the game play is also similar. The top five ranking of hands for all poker version, listed from lowest to highest, are below:

• Flush
• Full House
• Four of a Kind
• Straight Flush
• Royal Flush

The basic terminologies used are the same as well, like calling, folding and raising. To understand the game in detail a lot of resources like these are readily available. Slot machines were one of the earliest forms of casino games, and innumerable games are now on offer at online slot machines. There are dice based games like Craps, and wheel based ones like roulette. Keno and Bingo games are also offered in casinos. Table games such as blackjack, baccarat and their variants are also quite popular. Live dealer games provide an experience to players similar to land based casinos, but from the comfort of their home.

Playing poker is not yet legal in some countries. It can be readily seen that the variety of games offered is quite huge. To master these games it is advisable to understand the various strategies involved, and to try these games for free either, with the bonuses from the casinos or using free game tutorial sites.