Poker has been around for a very long time, with the game dating back to the 19th century. There are plenty of variations of the game to choose from. In recent history, Texas Holdem has become the most popular choice.
You will find traditional poker games being played all over the globe. It is so big now, that you will find competitions in almost every major city in the world that allows people to gamble.
However, the main reason why poker has become increasingly popular is because of the number of people playing online. There are a wide array of websites allowing members to play games online whenever they want, from wherever they are. It’s so easy to become a member of a casino website and playing is also extremely entertaining.
The Pandemic
We have all been affected in some way since the outbreak of Covid-19 spread across the world. The traditional casino industry has suffered very badly. Most brick and mortar casinos hire a lot of staff members, including security, bartenders and waitresses, dealers, management, cleaners, the list goes on! There are other overheads in running a casino such as electricity, insurance, rent, and taxes. Since the outbreak, most of these businesses were forced to shut their doors to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. Although some remain closed, others have been able to open their doors. Unfortunately, many casino-goers don’t feel comfortable with the strict rules put in place to help the customers and employees avoid contracting the virus. With customers expected to practice social distancing and only granted access to the casino if they wear a mask, most punters have decided to play poker online from the comfort of their own home.
Lots of people have had very little to do during the pandemic. There has been a huge increase in the number of people joining gambling sites since early 2020 and these figures remain consistent. Playing traditional poker with other people is not a good idea during the pandemic, especially because each player will be using the same cards as each other, so sanitizing each one might not be possible.
But now is an ideal time to play poker online. It gives the chance for each player to feel excited again and gives them an opportunity to show their skills without having to leave their home.
Play with Fake Money
One of the greatest things about playing poker online is that you don’t have to spend real cash. There are plenty of online casinos and websites that allow members to enjoy the game without having to risk losing real money.
These free games are a perfect way for novice poker players to learn how the game is played. It is estimated that around 85 million people around the world play poker online regularly. You can easily find players to compete with, no matter what time of the day or night it is.
Playing poker online is fun, and most websites allow you to private or public message other competitors. This is a great way to find others with similar interests.
Play with Real Money
If you are confident enough with your poker skills, why not have a go of playing for some real cash to make the game even more interesting. Websites like Blitz Poker organize regular tournaments and have plenty of bonuses for new and existing members.
There are plenty of professional poker players out there that play the game for a living. Many of these play in big competitions and some play multiple tables at one time. Although it sounds like a dream job for most, playing poker for a living is hard work and you are not guaranteed that you will make money. You have to stay on top of your game to be able to compete with other professionals. Most players will use software to help them with their game. Some of the best in the game spend hours studying and reading poker books to help them improve their skills.
Playing for fake money is entertaining, but playing for real cash can give players a real rush of adrenaline. Like any form of gambling, you will have your good days and your bad days. Make sure you gamble sensibly, and if you are concerned that perhaps your habit is getting out of control, seek help immediately.
Poker on Television and Streaming Sites
If you don’t know the first thing about poker, you might still enjoy watching professional poker tournaments. Many television channels and streaming platforms televise or upload videos of some of the best poker players in the game coming head to head with one another. One of the reasons why poker has got so popular in recent times is due to these shows. Here are some of the reasons why poker TV is worth watching:
- These shows normally take place in well-known casinos. Often there is a crowd around the players watching the tournament play out.
- The poker tables that are used are usually made of glass with cameras facing the player’s cards underneath. This allows the viewer at home to see what cards each player has. This is an extremely exciting part of the show because you know which player is winning and who is losing. It is great fun watching someone bluffing when you know their cards are worthless.
- Heart rate: Most shows have each player hooked up to a heart monitor which displays each player’s heart rate on the viewer’s screen. You can see a player’s heart rate increase when the game becomes tense.
- Mind games: It is highly entertaining watching some of the best poker players on the planet trying to figure out their opponent’s cards. It is common for players to speak with others, trying to get into their heads to throw them off their game.
YouTube uploads some of the best professional poker competitions in recent history.
Socialize with your Friends
During the pandemic, most of us have only spoken with our friends through social networking platforms, emails, WhatsApp, or zoom meetings. To make interacting with your friends more fun, why not organize a private poker table.
This way you can invite specific friends to join your private table. You can all communicate with each other through the message box. Whether it is for real money or fake online coins, playing with your friends online is a great way to have fun!
Summary
Poker is not a difficult game to learn. Although the terminology used might be a bit off-putting, it is a simple game to figure out. Playing online is different from traditional poker. It’s often harder to figure out what your opponent has because you can’t physically see them. Even if they have their camera on, it’s easier to see if someone is bluffing in person.
If you play a lot of pokers online during the pandemic, don’t be overconfident when you play your first physical game after the pandemic. Most online poker games tend to move at a much faster pace in comparison to traditional games. Also, players tend to be tighter with their chips when playing online. This isn’t always the case, but playing online seems to be more about probability.