If you fancy a game that involves a degree of skill at a top online casino, then online poker should be one you will enjoy. Rather than relying on complete luck alone, like with online slots, poker requires you to play skilfully and with a strategy. When you play poker online, you have the chance to pit your skills against a computer, or by playing at the best live poker sites, against other players.
Poker sites are extremely popular among players in Ireland. But if it is a game you have yet to get to grips with, here’s our take on all you need to know about playing poker online.
How we select the best poker casinos
Many of the best poker sites you come across will use the same software provider. This means there may be little to choose between the game of poker itself, so we consider other factors when bringing you the best places to play poker online. Some of the things we consider are:
- Is the poker site licensed and regulated?
- Does the poker site offer bonuses and promotions?
- Are there various options to deposit and withdrawal?
- Does the poker site offer a selection of other games?
With new online casinos cropping up on a regular basis, it is important to make sure any poker sites you play at are licensed and regulated for your protection.
With playing poker online being a similar experience at many poker sites, we keep an eye out for the best casino bonuses on offer. The best poker sites will have welcome bonuses as well as ongoing promotions for loyal customers. Making sure you can easily deposit and quickly withdraw any winnings is also an important factor.
While poker online is a favourite game of many, we like to make sure there is a wide selection of other games to keep players entertained. The best poker sites have an array of other table games, as well as slots to try out.
How to play & poker rules
There are several variants of poker online and the best poker sites will have a solid selection of them. The most common version of online poker is Texas Hold’em. The aim of Texas Hold’em is to make the best of a 5-card hand. This is how it works:
- All players are dealt 2 cards which are face down.
- 5 more cards are dealt face up in the middle of the table.
- The first 3 cards are called the Flop.
- The second single card is known as the Turn.
- The final card, that makes the 5, is called the River.
- The cards in the middle are known as community cards.
- Players use these cards to make the best possible hand.
When it comes to winning at poker online, these hands can give a victory:
- Royal flush
- Straight flush
- 4 of a kind
- Full house
- Flush
- Straight
- 3 of a kind
- 2 pairs
- 1 pair
- High card
Poker software
Much of what you will experience when playing poker online is down to the software providers behind the game. Software providers are responsible for developing the games we all play at online casinos. The best poker sites use providers such as:
These software providers ensure that when you play poker online, you are met with great graphics and immersive gameplay. These providers are also behind some of the best live poker sites in Ireland.
Online poker variations
The best poker sites offer a whole host of variations when it comes to playing poker online. Some of the variants you are likely to come across include:
- Texas Hold’em
- 7-card Stud
- Omaha Hi
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- 5-card draw
- Short Deck
- 2-7 Triple Draw
- Razz
Poker bonuses
The best poker sites offer a host of bonuses and special promotions. These are often used as a way to attract new players to poker sites, but can also be used to reward loyal customers. As a new customer, you can expect the best poker sites to offer you a sign-up bonus. This could be in the form of a matched deposit, meaning the poker site matches whatever you deposit into your account to give you extra funds to play with.
Some of the best poker sites also offer no deposit bonuses. These are just as they sound. They give you a bonus without the need for you to make a deposit. This is effectively free money to play with.
Mobile poker
Playing poker online can now also be done on a mobile device. The best poker sites have mobile optimised poker games, while others offer mobile apps you can download. Being able to play poker online on your mobile means you are no longer tied to a desktop or laptop. While gambling responsibly, of course, you have the freedom to play wherever you are.
Software providers behind poker sites ensure you get to enjoy the game in all its glory while on your mobile. None of the experience is lost by choosing a mobile device to play on rather than at a desk or laptop.
