How to play poker


In game play

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Online poker has exploded in popularity over recent years and it's easy to see why. Fast-paced and exciting this game is a heady mix of skill, luck and psychology where you can match wits with players all over the world.

Best of all poker is a very easy game to learn - and we've got everything you need right here to get you started (and winning). Check out the articles below for everything from a step-by-step run-through of how a hand is played, to a (handy) hand rankings chart, a description of game types and a whole lot more. Or, if you'd prefer something you can print out and read later, check out our downloadable online poker guide

How the game works - step-by-step

We take you through a hand of hold'em step-by-step from the deal to the showdown.

Hand rankings

From worst to first here's our guide to the hands you can make in poker.

Finding the right game

The first big decision you’ll have to make when starting out in poker isn’t which hand to play, it’s which type of game suits you - find out how Tournaments, Ring games and Sit & Go's tick

Starting hand selection

Hold 'em or fold 'em? Check out our beginners guide to the best hands to play...

Rule Sit & Go's

Sit & Go tournaments combine the best of MTT poker and Ring Games in a compressed format. Best of all they're a great way to get into poker - find out why...

Master Multi-table tournaments

From the dizzying heights of the WSOP to lunch-time tourneys that you can buy-in to for a buck, MTT's deliver big-time excitement. Here's how they work.

Better your betting

Poker isn't a card game, it's a betting game. Learn simple strategies to master this exciting part of poker and instantly build your confidence...

Introducing Omaha

Omaha's an exciting hold'em variant that's getting more popular every day - find out how to get started in poker's alternative to Texas...

Manage your bankroll

How does free poker for life sound? When you're ready to play for real money effective bankroll management can deliver just that - find out how...

Avoiding tilt

Don't want to pay for your poker knowledge in chips? Learn how to manage tilt and give yourself the gift that keeps on giving...

Raise your game

Easy to learn, difficult to master. The great thing about poker is that you can learn enough to start having fun on our practice tables in no time - yet keep getting better even if you've played the game for years. The best bit is you can get a lot of this knowledge for free (instead of paying for it in chips) in the Raise your game section of PKR.

Packed with hints, tips and strategy from some of the most respected journalists and players around Raise your game is updated daily and always on the cutting edge of the world's favourite game. Check it out.


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Raise Your Game
Limping in Sit & Go’s (part 1): When should you do it?

Why the much-maligned act of limping has a place in the early stages of a Sit & Go

Phil Shaw | 9 hours ago

Limping in Sit & Go’s (part 2): Playing position

A look at how factors such as position affect the strategy of limping in Sit & Go’s

Phil Shaw | 10 hours ago

Limping in Sit & Go’s (part 3): Punishing limpers

How to balance your limping range in Sit & Go’s, and how to punish players who limp incorrectly

Phil Shaw | 10 hours ago

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