How to Play Poker from Scratch: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Poker is one of the world’s most popular card games, both in casinos and online platforms like WINNDER. If you’re new to the game and want to learn how to play poker, this guide will walk you through the basics in a clear and beginner-friendly way.
Learning how to play poker for beginners is simple if you understand the basic rules, the main poker variants, and avoid common mistakes.
What Is Poker?
Poker is a card game where players bet chips or money based on the strength of their hand or their ability to bluff. The goal is to win the pot by having the best hand or by convincing others to fold.
Goal of the Game
Your objective is to form the best five-card hand according to poker rankings or force your opponents to fold with clever betting.
Basic Rules of Classic Poker (Texas Hold’em)
Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker variant. Here's how it works:
- Each player is dealt 2 face-down cards.
- 5 community cards are revealed in phases:
- Flop: 3 cards
- Turn: 1 card
- River: 1 card
- Players combine their 2 cards with the 5 on the table to form the best hand.
- There are betting rounds after each phase.
- The player with the best hand wins the pot—or the last one standing after others fold.
Other Popular Poker Variants
- Omaha: Players get 4 hole cards and must use exactly 2 of them plus 3 community cards.
- Five Card Draw: Each player gets 5 hidden cards and can swap some.
- Stud Poker: No community cards; some cards are visible to everyone.
We recommend starting with Texas Hold’em as it’s the easiest and most played.
Poker Round Structure
- Blinds posted (small and big): forced bets before cards are dealt.
- Hole cards dealt.
- Pre-flop betting round.
- Flop (3 community cards) + betting.
- Turn (4th card) + betting.
- River (5th card) + final betting round.
- Showdown: Players reveal hands, best one wins.
Tips for Beginner Poker Players
- Learn hand rankings.
- Don’t play every hand.
- Manage your bankroll.
- Watch other players.
- Start with free games or low stakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overvaluing weak pairs.
- Playing every hand.
- Bluffing without purpose.
- Not understanding blinds.
- Ignoring table position.
Where to Practice?
You can practice online for free or with real prizes on platforms like WINNDER, where 1vs1 poker challenges test your skills for rewards. It’s a great way to improve while having fun.
