How to Play Poker in Simple Steps

A quick reference guide on how to play Poker in quick simple steps. We cover the different types of poker games.

Poker hand rankings

The majority of Poker game types are based on comparing who has the highest-ranked poker hand of 5 cards. A single card is ranked lowest to highest as follows:

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace

The rank of hands from highest to lowest.

Royal Flush

The best hand in Poker. 10, J, Q, K, A and all in the same suit.

Straight Flush

Five cards in sequence and of the same suit.

Four of a Kind

Your hand comprises of 4 cards of the same kind.

Full House

Your hand comprises of 4 cards of the same kind.

Straight

Your hand comprises of all 5 cards in sequence.

Two Pair

Your hand comprises of 2 pairs.

One Pair

Your hand comprises of 1 pair.

High Card

You don’t have any of the hands above. The rank of your hand is based on the highest card in your hand.

How do you bet in Poker?

Poker games are based on betting chips on your hand. Each game of Poker has betting rounds where you have the opportunity to place bets on your hand.

What is an Ante?
Some Poker games require putting a bet in the middle before the start of a game. This is called the Ante.

Blinds
Blinds are bets made by players before they see their hands. Some Poker game types like Texas Hold’em involve blinds.

Different Poker Game Type Rules

How to Play Texas Hold’em Poker

One of the most popular Poker games.
2 – 10 players can play Texas Hold’em.

How to Play Omaha Poker

A variant of Poker based on Texas Hold’em.
2-10 players can play Omaha Poker.

How to Play Seven-Card Stud

A more advanced game of poker.
2-8 players can play Seven-Card Stud Poker.