Complete Online Poker Guide for India

The Origins and History of Poker

The history of poker is very complex and includes numerous hypotheses about where and when this popular card game first appeared. According to history.com, poker's roots can be traced back for 1,000 years.

Some historians link its origins to a 10th-century Chinese domino game, while others link it to the 16th-century Persian game called "As Nas." Poker's closest ancestor in Europe is the 17th-century French game of Poque, based on the Spanish game of Primero. In India, poker's closest ancestor is Ganjifa, a 96-card game played in the sixteenth-century Mughal Empire.

French colonists brought Poque to North America, where it evolved into modern poker in the early 19th century. As the game developed, it spread along the Mississippi River and became popular among riverboat crews and soldiers during the American Civil War.

In 1871, poker was introduced to Europe when Queen Victoria became interested in learning more about the game.

However, thanks to American soldiers, poker became widely accepted in Europe during World War I. Over time, different poker variations became more popular, with Texas Hold'em becoming the dominant variant in the 1970s.

The Emergence of Poker in America

Poker arrived in America in the late 18th and early 19th century in New Orleans, then a French colony that became part of the United States after the Louisiana Purchase. According to parlettgames.uk, the game spread mainly via gambling saloons on the ground, as well as steamboats on the Mississippi River.

The earliest mention of poker can be traced to an 1836 book by J. Hildreth; other publications, one from 1843 and the other from 1844, confirm that the game was actively played as early as 1829. Initially, poker was played with 20 cards dealt to four players, with no option to draw cards and a limited number of hands.

In the 1830s, the 20-card poker was replaced by the 52-card variant, allowing more players to participate and introducing new hands such as the Flush. This effectively transformed poker from a game of luck into a game of skill.

Poker was introduced into English society by General Schenk in 1872, although there is evidence of the game being played in England as early as 1855.

The Evolution of Poker - Introducing New Variants

Poker underwent significant changes and innovations during the mid-19th century. During the US Civil War, new variants such as Stud Poker emerged and were introduced in areas like Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The authority on this early history of poker is the 1864 book "The American Hoyle".

At the time, one of the most controversial innovations was the introduction of "Jack Pots", where players must have a pair of jacks or better to open the game. The rule was introduced to discipline some players and encourage more cautious bettors.

"The American Hoyle" mentiones various poker variants floating around in 1875, including Whiskey Poker and Mistigris, where the 53rd card is used as a wild card. Also, Straight hands became established as part of the game after years of controversy.

In 1904, the first definitive rules of poker were published after serious research into its roots and variations. According to pagat.com, in 1905, R. F. Foster published a book "Practical Poker," where he summarized the results of these studies. This period also saw the appearance of "Dealer's Choice", which became a popular guide around the turn of the 20th century.

Modern poker tournaments began with the World Series of Poker in 1970, which marked a new era in the history of the game.

Poker is a huge hit in India, and there are even suggestions that poker influenced the country's most popular card game, Teen Patti. Poker has been endorsed by many Bollywood stars and other celebrities, with the tournament culture now as vibrant as ever. Also, Indian WSOP results are getting better each year.

How to Play Poker Online - Rules of the Game

Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. In one variant of the game, each player is dealt two hole cards at the start of each hand while three more community cards are drawn. The main objective is to make the strongest hand possible with the combination of hole and community cards and win the pot by making the right bets for the available cards.

For example, let's take the most popular version of poker, Texas Hold'em. Each player is dealt two cards, called hole cards, that only they can see. Then, five community cards are dealt face up in three stages: first the three cards (called the flop), then one (called the turn) and finally, the last card (the river).

Players use their two hole cards and the five community cards to make the best possible five-card hand. Betting is done in four stages: pre-flop, post-flop, post-turn and post-river.

The outcome of the round is determined after the last round of betting when players reveal their cards (showdown). The player with the best five-card hand wins the pot.

Continuing with the Texas Hold'em example, let's take a step-by-step account of the most important classic poker rules and terms. All information is taken from trusted sources, such as WikiHow, in order to be as helpful and accurate as possible.

• The Hand: A hand is your particular combination of hole and community cards. Being familiar with the 10 main hands in poker and their ranks is very important. If you don't know them by heart, you won't know what cards you have or how to bet in certain situations.
• Initial Bets In poker, bets are placed at the start of the game either as blind bets or ante up. In Texas Hold'em, the player next to the dealer places a small blind bet (half the minimum bet) and the next player places a big blind bet (at least the minimum bet). This initial round of betting creates the starting pot.
• Dealing the Hole Cards: On the initial deal, the dealer burns the first card in the deck (removes it from play) and then deals two cards to each player. These are your private (or hole) cards that only you can see.
• Betting after Deal: Each time the dealer deals new cards, players place bets. The first bet is based on the two face cards. Players can place an initial bet, then either 'check' (miss a bet), 'call' (match a bet), 'raise' (increase a bet) or 'fold' (give up a hand).
• Flop: After the first round of betting, the dealer will again burn the top card of the deck and place three cards face up on the table. These cards are called community cards and can be used by all players to make a hand.
• The Turn Card: After the second betting round, the dealer will burn one more card and place one face up next to the flop. This card is known as the turn or fourth street. After the turn card is revealed, players bet again.
• The River Card: After the third round of betting, the dealer burns the last card and places one card face up next to the turn card. This last card is known as the "river." Players then combine their two hole cards with each of the community cards to make the best possible five-card hand.
• Showdown: After the last round of betting, the remaining players reveal their cards, starting with the player to the dealer's left. The player with the best hand wins the pot. In the event of a tie, the pot is split between the players with the best hands.

These are the basic poker rules and actions to learn. However, poker is much more complex, and if you want to optimise your game, you need to put effort into learning it. With that in mind, let's learn a bit more about the game by looking at different poker bets.

Betting Options and Types in Online Poker

To employ strategies and outsmart your opponents in the game of poker, you must understand the basic betting principles of the game. There are a total of five betting moves in poker. These include checking, betting, folding, calling, and raising.

Corollary to this, there are also six types of bets that you can make. They are a value bet, continuation bet, informed bet, slow play bet, overbet, and all-in.

Initial Bets in Online Poker

Poker has two types of initial bets: blind bets and antes. Each brings something different to the game and features in different variants of online poker.

• Blind Bets

Blinds are the two mandatory bets placed before the cards are dealt. They are used in many varieties of online poker, the most famous being Texas Hold'em. In these games, players in blind positions rotate, placing the small blind and the big blind, respectively.

The small blind is usually half the minimum bet, and the big blind equals the minimum bet. Each player at the table must place both the big and the small blind until the game is over. On each hand, the players are changed.

Example: In Texas Hold'em live at Rajabets, if the minimum bet is ₹500, the player next to the dealer places the small blind of ₹250, and the next player places the big blind of ₹500.

In the following round, the next two players to the dealer's left continue with the small and big blind.

These bets ensure that money is in the pot from the start of the game and encourage the game to progress.

• Ante Up

The ante up is a type of starting bet commonly used in tournaments and some online poker games. Each player at the table must place a small upfront bet before the cards are dealt. There are no rotations here, and placing bets is a must for everyone.

Ante bets are usually low, sometimes even lower than the minimum bet of online poker. An ante provides a base amount in the pot and encourages players to participate actively in that particular round.

DID YOU KNOW..

According to poker.org, the word "ante" in Latin means "before". Apparently, the term for this type of bet was not chosen randomly.

Example: In many Lopebet's titles, each player places an ante of ₹100 before the cards are dealt. These bets provide an initial pot and keep the game dynamic.

• Buy-in

The buy-in is the amount a player must pay to participate in an online poker tournament. This amount varies depending on the game type and the stakes level. The buy-in provides players with a certain number of chips with which to play.

Betting Options in Online Poker

Betting options in online poker determine what course of events can be expected during each hand, allowing players to make strategic decisions. The following five moves form the basis of tactical play and influence the final outcome of each hand:

• Check - Checking is one of the basic poker moves, most commonly used when you just want the action to continue to the next player. You can only use it when there isn't an active bet that you must answer.
• Bet - Experienced players use betting to get the round going and get their opponents to fold a particular hand. Betting is most effective on the community cards when the possibility of forming a strong hand is higher.
• Fold - Folding a hand is an option that players should pay more attention to. After facing a bet from another player, you must either bet the same amount or fold. Folding is a good option if your chances of winning the hand are not very high.
• Call - Calling is an option used when one of your opponents raises their bet. If you believe you can win with your hand, you should match their bet.
• Raise - In various situations, the raise option is used effectively to win more chips from your opponents. You can also raise as a bluff, but to do so, you should be relatively sure that your opponents are betting with weak cards.

Poker Bet Types

There are several bet types in online poker that players can take advantage of, depending on the dynamics of the game and the situation they find themselves in. Information from tightpoker.com will help us look at six types of bets in more detail:

• Value Bet

Value bet is used when you are confident that you hold the strongest hand and expect most of your opponents to fold. It is important not to force the issue and try to make them fold too aggressively. For a successful value bet, you need to analyze several factors, including player profiles and their potential hands.

• Continuation Bet

Continuation betting is a strategy that involves betting after raising preflop and continuing to bet after the flop has been dealt. This move demonstrates confidence in the strength of your hand and can be very useful as an aggressive tactic, especially in the later stages of the game.

• Probe Bet

The probe bet is executed when the player is out of position on the turn or river and has not made a continuous bet in position. This small bet is intended to provide information about your opponent's potential hands, helping you better understand the range of their cards.

• The Slow Play Bet

This bet is a deception tactic used when a player has a strong hand. The player deliberately plays passively, checking or just calling the opponent's bets instead of raising them. The goal is to trick the opponent into making a big bluff or significantly increasing their bets, believing that the player with the strong hand is actually weak.

• Overbet

This bet involves a significantly larger amount than usual and is intended to bluff opponents into folding. Another application is for extracting maximum value from a very strong hand. You can use this strategy to either scare other players into folding or take advantage of their uncertainty when you hold a good hand.

• All-in

An all-in bet is made when players puts all their chips into a single bet. This is a risky move, as you risk everything in an attempt to win a big pot.

What Variants of Poker Are There?

There are dozens of poker variants in online casinos. These include Texas Hold'em, Short Deck, Omaha, Caribbean, Seven-card Stud, Five-card draw, Razz, Triple Draw, Chinese, HORSE, Three-Card Poker, Video Poker, and Badugi.

There are so many poker variants because even the slightest change in rules completely changes the course of action you must take in different situations.

However, not all of these variants are available in India. Let's take a look at the most popular poker variants in the country and how they differ from each other.

Texas Hold'em

Texas Hold'em is the most popular poker variant in India and the world. Each player is dealt two hole cards, while five community cards are dealt face up in three stages. Players must make the best possible five-card hand by combining their hole cards with the community cards on the table.

Short Deck Poker

Short Deck Poker is a variant of Texas Hold'em but is played with a smaller deck of 36 cards. In Short Deck, there are no cards 2-5.

Caribbean Poker

The main thing about Caribbean Poker is that it is played online against the casino instead of other players. Luck plays a much bigger role here. Your goal is to have a stronger hand than the croupier, but stronger hands also bring multipliers, which means that it matters whether you win with a Pair or Flush. Also, you don't have the option to raise or bluff here.

Seven-Card Stud

There are no community cards in this poker variation. Each player at the table is dealt seven cards and must make the best possible five-card hand. Each player is dealt three cards (two face down and one face up). Betting starts with the player who holds the lowest card. Players receive three more face-up cards and one face-down card, with betting rounds taking place after each card is dealt—the best hand of five wins the pot.

Five-Card Draw

Five-Card Draw is one of the simplest poker variants, where each player receives five cards. In the first round of betting, players bet based on the strength of their cards. During a game, players can change up to five of their cards. After the cards are changed, a second betting round takes place. In the end, the best hand wins the pot.

Three-Card Poker

As its title suggests, Three-Card poker is played with three cards only, and you play against the dealer rather than other players. Players are dealt three cards face down; the only betting options are to match the ante, raise, or fold. There are no community cards, and after a series of three bets, the players standing compare their hand to the dealer's.

Video Poker

Video poker is a game in which you play against a computer and have to make the strongest combination of five or three cards. The stronger your hand, the more money you win.

Most video poker titles available in India are created by leading providers like EGT, Playtech, and Amusnet Interactive.

In most of them, you are dealt five cards and have to decide which ones to keep and which ones to replace with new ones. The system then determines the strength of your hand, and you will be paid accordingly.

Playing video poker is quick and extremely fun. Besides, it actually provides you with a significant chance of winning. Almost all video poker games in India have a high RTP of over 97%. Some of the best video poker titles to target include:

• Joker Poker (EGT) - 98.47% RTP;
• Jacks or Better Poker (Amusnet Interactive) - 98.45% RTP;
• Jacks or Better (Playtech) - 97.30% RTP;

What Are Different Player Positions in Poker?

Knowing the poker rules and hands will only get you so far. When playing the game, you also must be aware of the positions each player takes upon dealing the cards.There are a total of eight different player positions in online poker. These include big and small blinds, two early positions, middle positions, two late positions, and the button position.

If you want to be successful at playing poker online, learning the advantages and disadvantages of each position is essential.

You should also be aware that poker variants and the number of cards you have in hand also play an important role in the different positions. Let's review all the poker positions in the most popular poker variant - Texas Hold'em.

Small Blind

We mentioned the blind when we talked about bets above, but it is also characterised as the position that starts the betting on every single flop. Players of the small blind should be very careful as they can easily reveal the strength of their hand. On the other hand, they have a bit of an advantage since, by raising the bet, they can force some players to join the bet or fold.

Big Blind

The big blind is the second position that plays after the flop is drawn. The disadvantage is that you are automatically invested in the hand with the biggest starting bet without seeing your cards. On the other hand, you can easily fool other players into thinking you have strong cards by raising them big.

First Early Position - Under the Gun

Under the Gun position is challenging to play from, because you must make the first action before the flop. Needless to say, you have absolutely no information about what cards your opponents might have at that point.

Second Early Position - Under the Gun +1

The second early position has the same problem as the first because you have only seen one player's move. No matter what decision you make from this position, you must watch the actions of the players behind you very carefully. Although you will act third or fourth after the flop, this still does not give you a significant advantage.

Middle Position - Lowjack

As their name suggests, middle positions at the poker table come after the starting and early positions, but at the same time, they do not have the advantage of late positions. However, when you play from the Lowjack position, you have enough information about the players ahead of you that you can take exploit.

At the same time, you should be careful not to reveal too much about your hand because there are still a few positions behind you.

First Late Position - Hijack

The first late position stands two positions before the button, and you can exploit it in different ways. Given that Hijack is a very late position, you will have enough information about most players at the table.

For example, you can "steal" the pot by raising money, which is where the name of the position (Hijack) comes from. For example, let's say that you get Q♣J♣ and everyone before you has passed. You can decide to raise and put pressure on the other players and try to steal the pot.

The player in the second late (Cutoff) and the button positions both decide to bet. The flop shows 10♦ 9♠ 2♣, giving you a chance to make a Straight. You then continue with aggressive play to hold the initiative and increase your chances of winning the hand.

Second Late Position - Cutoff)

The second late position is one of the best positions to play from because it is right next to the button, and you usually have enough information to make a good decision. When you are in the cutoff position, you can totally eliminate the button' and blinds' advantage by raising.

For example, you get K♦ 10♠ and everyone before you has passed. You decide to raise the button bets, and the small and big blinds fold.

The flop comes A♠ Q♣ 3♦, giving you a Straight. You continue with aggressive play and bet again, showing strength. The button bets, but J♥ comes out on the turn and completes your Straight. You bet again, and the button folds, giving you the pot at the end.

Last Position - Button

As the last position at the poker table, the button has the best chance of winning because he has seen the other players' moves. Of course, you need to know how to get the most out of this position.

The main advantage of the button is that you can see every single action of the players before you. This gives you a tremendous advantage, and you can draw very good conclusions about your opponents' potential cards.

Imagine the following scenario: you are in the button position and get A♣ K♦. Everyone before you has passed, so you decide to raise and take advantage of your position.

The small blind and the big blind bet. The flop comes K♠ 7♣ 2♦, giving you a strong Pair. The small blind folds, but the big blind still hangs on.

You decide to raise and show strength and protect your hand. But the big blind calls. The turn is 10♦. You continue your aggression and call. The big blind ultimately folds, handing you the win.

How to Play Poker Online Step-by-step Guide?

To help you understand online poker better, we've prepared a step-by-step guide to playing a complete hand.

Although we've already described the different rules and moves of the game, the following example will help you grasp how to play poker online even more clearly. This guide is more suitable for beginners, although experienced players can always brush up on the basics.

Preflop

Imagine you are in the big blind position and have K♦ and Q♦. This is a very strong starting position. Most players refuse to pay the big blind amount, leaving us to battle with the button and the small blind.

• The button raises, doubling the bet;
• The small blind folds;
• The best we can do with a strong hand like K♦ and Q♦ is call. Raising is not a good idea, as you have a good chance of playing the flop and improving your hand.

Flop

The flop is 5♥, J♠, and 7♥. Unfortunately, our cards don't combine well with any of the flop cards. Since you have to act first and are out of position, moves like bluffing would be counterproductive.

• We decide to pass;
• The remaining opponent also passes;

Turn

The turn card is 10♠. The cards on the table are the following: 5♥, J♠, 7♥, and 10♠. Since our opponent's previous action was to pass, it may indicate the weakness of their hand. As for your hand, you see 10♠ as a card that could potentially help make a hand like Flush or Straight.

• You decide to bet about 65% of the pot, with the tacit intention of betting all remaining poker chips on a suitable river card;
• The opponent waits a minute and hesitantly pays;

River

The river card is A♦, just what the doctor ordered. With it, the cards on the table look like this: 5♥, J♠, 7♥, 10♠, and A♦. With K♦ and Q♦ at your fingertips, you can easily make a very strong Straight hand.

Even if you couldn't make the Straight, the very thought of possibly having a strong hand strikes fear into your opponent. And since they have already shown weakness, it's enough to feel confident moving forward.

• To make the most of the favourable situation, you bet 40% of the pot, which is only a portion of your chips;
• After deep and meditative thought, the opponent calls;
• In the end, you win the hand with a Straight while the opponent shows a pair of Aces;

Where to Play Live Online Poker for Real Money in India?

In India, live online poker with real money can be played at Lopebet, Rajabets, Megapari, and Bettilt. At these sites, you will find different variations of live poker with real croupiers.

Live poker with croupiers is identical to video poker. The only difference is that the latter is interactive, and you play by yourself, while live poker involves live streaming and playing against the croupier's hand.

Let us take you through a couple of different versions of live poker available in India.

Casino Hold'em Live Poker

In Casino Hold'em live poker, you and the croupier are dealt two cards each. While you can see your card, the croupier's cards remain hidden. It is a fast-paced version of the game, with only a small pause after the flop is drawn. After that, two more cards are drawn, and the croupier's hand is finally revealed.

If your five-card hand is stronger, you win. The better your hand, the more you win.

For example, if you win with a Royal Straight Flush, your win can even go x100! The game has a very high RTP of 97.84%.

Caribbean Stud Poker Live

In Stud Poker, you and the dealer are dealt five cards each. Your goal is to have a stronger hand. You can double down or fold before the croupier reveals all five cards. Your only vantage point is the croupier's last card, which remains face up.

This type of poker has an RTP of only 93.30%, which is significantly less than even the worst slot games. The reason lies in the game mechanism. But if you master it, you can significantly increase your chances of winning.

Three Card Poker Live

Due to its simplicity and quick potential payouts, Three Card Poker is the choice of many live poker fans in India. Here, you are dealt only three cards and then decide whether to raise or fold.

If you continue and your hand is better after the croupier shows their three cards, you win depending on the strength of your hand. The maximum payout is 100 times your bet, while the RTP sits at a very good 96.63%.

Can I Play Online Poker for Free?

In India, you can play online poker for free at Bettilt, Lopebet, Megapari, and Rajabets. Playing for free will help you learn the techniques and strategies and master the hands of the different types of online poker.

Online poker games are dynamic and complex to begin with so it's actually a smart move not to rush into them.

We recommend you start your poker casino game for free at bettilt's website, where you'll find a huge selection of different tables to practice what you've learned from this article. At all four online casinos, the free online poker selection includes a variety of video poker from leading providers such as Playtech, EGT, NetEnt, and others.

Top 5 Most Famous Poker Tournaments

There are many different types of poker tournaments, depending on the mechanics, prize pool, and other factors. The five most famous are Sit & Go, Rebuy, Satellite, Bounty, and Hyper Turbo events. Let's look into the specifics of each poker tournament to help you choose the right one for you.

Sit & Go Poker Tournament

Sit & Go are special tournaments that start as soon as a certain number of players have gathered.

Given that the number of participants is smaller, the winnings are calculated relatively quickly, and the game is played at a faster pace. The main disadvantage of this type of tournament is the relatively low prize pool.

Most major online poker tournaments start at a fixed date and time. These tournaments are not a good choice for poker lovers who want to enjoy the action right away.

Rebuy Poker Tournament

In standard poker tournaments, you're eliminated when you lose your poker chips. That's not exactly the case with Rebuy tournaments.

In Rebuy, if you are eliminated early, you can stay at the same table with new starting chips worth as much as the tour's initial buy-in.

The Rebuy option, however, is only available for a predetermined period of the tournament, so you should use it wisely.

Satellite Poker Tournament

Satellites are online poker tournaments that usually have a free or very small buy-in. The prize pool of these tournaments isn't cash per se but rather buy-ins to more lucrative tournaments.

In other words, the Satellite poker tour allows you to participate in some of the biggest online poker tournaments with almost no investment. To do so, you need to grab one of the top spots.

In the last few years, with celebrities increasingly embracing poker, Satellite tournaments have gained popularity in India.

Bounty Poker Tournament

Bounties are one of the most popular poker tournaments because they add an extra touch of excitement that makes the game much more interesting. Namely, whenever you eliminate a Bounty tournament player, you automatically win a portion of the prize pool.

Depending on the specific tournament, the bounty can be anywhere from 5% to 100% of your buy-in.

Hyper-Turbo Poker Tournament

Hyper Turbo poker tournaments are the fastest type of online poker, with an average game time of around 10 minutes.

Most users who see poker simply as entertainment prefer to play whenever they want and not get too involved, and Hyper Turbo events are the perfect choice for that. They introduce the concept of blind levels and pair players based on their level. The hands are fast, and winning them on a bounce is fairly difficult, but the prize pools also reflect that, and you can win millions of rupees.

Where Can I Play Poker at Land-Based Casinos?

Gambling in India is still a contentious subject, with only a handful of land-based casinos operating in the country. You can play poker in land-based casinos only in Goa, Sikkim, and Daman. Here are our top five choices:

1. Casino Carnival, Goa Marriott Resort and Spa
2. Casino Paradise, Hotel Neo Majestic in Panjim, Goa
3. Casino Mahjong, Mayfair Spa Resorts, Sikkim
4. Casino Palms, La Calypso Hotel in Baga, Goa
5. Deltin Daman Casino, Daman

Live gaming can't be matched, but you should know that it is also more difficult. If you have no experience with poker, playing in a land-based casino may not be the best idea. You need to be extremely careful before you sit down at the poker table and make sure that you:

• Keep your emotions and body language in check;
• Don't get nervous when talking to the other players at the table;
• Are confident when making any decision.

The biggest problem with live poker is that you have to be physically located in a major city. That's why our vote for Indian players always goes towards online poker. It's quick and easy to learn, and you don't have to worry about spending too much money before you get a handle on it.

Poker Strategies for Better Results

Our experts have prepared two poker strategies which if followed can increase your chances of winning while playing poker. The first one is more suitable for advanced players as it needs to follow range charts. The second poker strategy is suitable for beginners, as long as you play with minimal raises and bet the flop from position.

Developing your poker mindset starts with learning similar poker strategies, but remember, there are thousands of unique situations you can find yourself in, and you should always have a few options at your disposal.

Following Poker Range Charts

One of the tools that advanced poker players use is the so-called range charts. Range charts are special tables that include all possible combinations for your two drawn cards. The ranges change depending on the specific position you are in.

Range charts may show you the best decision in any given situation: whether to call, raise, go all-in, or fold. The information in good-quality range charts is based on statistical facts and poker theory. Here is what one of them looks like for button's position.

• Yellow - Minimum Raise
• Red - Minimum Raise and 3-Bet Pay
• Blue - Minimum Raise and Pay 3-Bet All-In

Poker ranges are an amazing tool that will lay the foundation for your poker strategies. However, you should only study them in your spare time, as some sites do not allow you to play with charts open on the screen. You could be banned for that.

Minimum Raise and Flop Betting Strategy from Position

This strategy may sound like a handful, but it's actually very easy to learn and can easily win you poker hands!. It works very well when you are in a position, such as the small blind, because you get a lot of information about what your opponents' cards might be.

The trick is to put your opponents under constant pressure. When you raise before the flop and don't face a re-raise from your opponent's side, you might have an advantage. The advantageous situation can be confirmed if your opponents pass after seeing the cards on the flop.

They show weakness, and it's time to bet - even if you have no hand! In most cases, you will win because other players will fold. This strategy works best when the cards on the flop are not connectors, say, A, 9, and 2. These three cards have almost nothing to do with each other, which increases the chance that opponents have no combination.

Bankroll Strategies for Playing Poker Online

We have also prepared two poker bankroll strategies that will help you stay in the game for longer. They include budgeting and choosing the right tournaments for you.

These strategies are important because even if poker is a game of skill and your bankroll should also be skillfully managed. Even the best players can get into long-term losing streaks, and, sooner or later, you will lose all your playing funds if you don't take care of them properly.

And that is the paradox and the intangible of all poker games. Even if you play perfectly and make all the right decisions, you can still find yourself in a losing position. For this reason, bankroll strategies are some of the most important you will ever learn during your online poker adventure.

Play Poker Tournaments Tailored to Your Skills

The golden rule in poker circles is to never participate in tournaments you're not ready for. If you take a look at some of the online poker sites available in India, you will see the same poker variants but with different buy-ins.

You should know that the higher the buy-in, the better the players will be in the particular tournament. For example, if you are starting out now, you can't go out and try your luck in titles with ₹10,000 buy-in.

Before you even think of doing that, you should learn how to play poker by trying some of the free poker games online. Once you gain enough knowledge and confidence, you can start playing for real money.

Even then, we advise you to start at the lowest levels, even if the prize pools don't seem alluring. The most important thing in the beginning is to gain experience and knowledge while at the same time protecting yourself from losing money. Which brings us to the bankroll strategy you must implement.

Have Sufficient Bankroll Tailored to Your Preferred Poker Type

Each type of poker will have varying buy-ins, which will dictate their challenge and your access to them.

You should stick to poker types that suit your budget and current level. Otherwise, you will not have a fulfilling online poker experience and might even lose significant funds. And besides, it's no fun paying high fees for a game you can't yet play or playing a game that you can't afford the fees for.

If budget is not an issue and you want to be a good poker player, think about specialising in poker types like Hyper Turbo, Texas Hold'em, Bounty, or others. This will give you a competitive advantage in the long run.

Practical Tips for Winning Bigger in Poker

Playing poker online is fun, but it's no joke. You need to have the right mentality to win anything of note. Our experts have prepared nine practical tips for playing poker online. They include knowing the rules, setting a budget, not chasing losses, playing at licensed casinos, and using poker software, among others.

Sticking to all nine will significantly increase your chances of winning.

Learn the Rules of Poker by Heart

Poker is a well-known game in India, and if you want to get a sniff at a win, you have to know the rules. Why? Because knowing rules by heart gives you a competitive edge.

You can then improve your game gradually. But even if you learn the best poker strategies, they won't have any effect if your foundation isn't up to scratch.

Have a Defined Budget

We already listed the bankroll strategies you must implement to minimize your risk of playing. Following this principle, it's always best to deposit exactly as much money as you need to play comfortably.

Meaning that you should define a budget and stick to it.

Set Winning Goals

Setting winning goals is an excellent tip for any poker enthusiast. For example, when you set an ambitious goal, you will do your best to achieve it. But even if you fail, there's a good chance you'll get as close to that goal as possible, and your results will still be very satisfying.

Never Chase Losses

Continuing the theme of setting goals for profit, you must also accept that chasing losses is a huge mistake. Poker games are very volatile, and even if you play very well, sometimes the results just aren't in your favour.

In situations like this - a downswing, as most players call it, you need to temporarily forget about your win targets and focus on making the best decisions at the table.

Stay Disciplined and Follow Your Strategy

Many players understand poker strategy and theory very well, but when put under pressure, they start to lose their minds and often their money.

Don't be that player. Be as disciplined as possible and stick to your big-picture strategy. And if you feel that something just isn't clicking in your game, it's always a good idea to go back to the specifics of your strategy and renegotiate them.

Play Only at Licensed Online Casinos and Land-Based Rooms

The online poker scene in India has improved drastically in recent years, but there are still countless shady platforms that you should absolutely steer clear of.

There are enough good options in India like Lopbet or Megapari to make the most of poker. However, if you try one of the unlicensed poker sites, you risk losing your funds or encountering major problems with the functionality.

Use Software to Analyze Your Game

Sometimes, during real-time play, it is difficult to recognize our mistakes, so we suggest you rely on software to help you improve your skills.

All professionals and even most amateurs have software that collects their hand history.

This history is stored in a database and accessible at all times. This way, you can easily review the situations or make sure you are applying your strategies correctly.

Some of the best poker programs you can use include:

• Pokertracker
• Hand2Note
• DriveHUD

Discuss Poker with Friends

The best poker players in the world will tell you that the best ideas for their game came when discussing a specific situation with like-minded people.

Just as it's challenging to recognize the flaws in your own game, it's also quite normal to see only your point of view at the poker table. Sharing your experiences will open your mind up to different scenarios and make you a better player.

Work on Your Emotional State

Even if you are the best poker player at the table, a master of theory and strategy, you still won't be successful if you can't control your emotions.

It's what separates the best from the rest. Experienced players cherish this very component the most and do their best to improve their mental game. This includes healthy diets of fruits and vegetables and even daily meditation.

How Do Casinos Profit from Poker?

Casino operators profit from poker mainly from tournament fees or their cut of the pot. This is because in player-to-player poker, the casino is not involved in the betting but only stages the game.

On the other hand, video poker and poker played against dealers have a house edge. Read on to discover what house edge awaits you when playing poker online.

Video Poker House Edge

Online casinos benefit from a percentage of the money involved, aka, the house edge. Returns on video poker titles in India range between 96% and 98.50%, meaning the casino earns between 1.50% and 4% from each player in the long run.

Live Poker House Edge

Live poker games generate profits for the casino on the same principle as video poker, namely through house edge. Depending on the game, the casino can earn even more in the long run. The house edge on different live poker games ranges between 1.50% and 4%.

Popular Poker Movies

Watching poker movies will give you the boost you need to get your online poker journey going. Many movies include poker in their storylines, but the following six are perhaps the most popular:

• Deal - 2008.
• Maverick - 1994.
• The Grand - 2007.
• Molly's Game - 2017.
• Rounders - 1998.
• The Lucky One- 2007.

Famous People Who Play Poker

It should come as no surprise that many celebrities have sat at the poker table. As difficult as online poker can be, it is so alluring that it often becomes a hobby for the rich and famous.

Although many of them don't have much skill, they have certainly helped popularise online poker. Let's take a look at who are the most interesting celebrities to have sat in the hot seat.

• Shannon Elizabeth

Remember the shapely Nadia from the hit series American Pie? Surprisingly or not, in 2006, she professed her love for poker, calling the game her "second career." In 2010, Shannon finished second in a World Series of Poker tournament, earning nearly $80,000.

• Kevin Hart

Actor and comedian Kevin Hart is another popular personality who has entertained at the poker tables more than once. His most iconic moments came in 2017 when he took part in poker's biggest tournaments - the Bahamas and Las Vegas. The combined buy-in of the two tournaments was over $400,000. However, Kevin Hart made the most of the experience, bluffing or joking with the other players to his heart's content.

• Richard Nixon

Yes, you read that right. The 37th president of the United States was a big poker-head. According to various rumours, Nixon was an incredible poker player, even using some of the winnings to fund his presidential campaign.

• Minissha Lamba

The famous Bollywood actress isn't just a pretty face but also a very competent poker player. She competed in several poker tournaments in the country and abroad, as well as charity poker events. Lamba is highly regarded in the Indian poker community, even serving a stint as a brand ambassador for the Poker Sports League (PLS).

Popular Poker Books Worth Your Attention

These days, the subtle art of online poker is taught mainly through practice and video courses, but there is another valuable resource often overlooked by most players - books.

The problem with books is that there are too many of them, and if you don't know exactly what you're looking for, you're likely to waste your time.

That's why we've prepared a list of the best evergreen poker books that will help you become a better player!

• The Body Language of Poker - Mike Caro, 1994.
• Hold'em Poker - David Sklansky, 1976
• The Theory of Poker - David Sklansky, 1994
• The Mental Game of Poker - Barry Carter, Jared Tendler, 2011
• Essential Poker Math - Alton Hardin, 2015.

Conclusion: Is Poker Worth It?

Poker games require a serious dose of skill and patience to learn but offer a dynamic and fun environment for making huge profits. Even centuries after its inception, poker continues to gain popularity, especially in India.

By applying the tips and information in this guide, you'll have a decent foundation to enter the world of online poker. To call yourself a poker player, you must first gain experience and confidence, even if that means sinking hundreds of hours into free poker games.

For the more experienced among you, these resources will help you to have a more controlled and disciplined game.

One thing is for sure - if you are willing to put in the necessary effort at the various poker games, chances are you will walk away from an online tournament with a huge payout. Online tournaments are becoming increasingly prestigious, prizes are becoming bigger, and you can be the next poker superstar as long as you know what you're doing.

So, to answer the question from the title: yes, you bet it's worth it!