Without a doubt, the most popular type of online poker is Texas holdem poker online. People particularly enjoy the two-handed Holdem game variation. This time, we will focus specifically on the online version of Texas Holdem, discuss the most popular places to play, the rules of this poker game, share tips to help you become better players, and reveal much more relevant and interesting information!
The best online poker rooms:
Texas holdem poker rules – how to learn to play?
We have written a comprehensive article on poker rules, which includes a lot of textual and visual information, so if you want all the details, we recommend checking out this article. Now, let's try to summarize briefly.
You don't need extensive knowledge to play Texas holdem poker. The game rules are quite clear and don't require much effort. However, to outplay professionals, you need to have a strategy, perform constant calculations, and make optimal decisions. But if you're playing just with friends, you can rely more on your intuition.
The essence of the game
The game uses a deck of 52 cards. Players and a dealer participate. Online, dealing is automatic, while among friends, the dealer's role can be taken by one of the players in turns. Jokers or additional cards are not used in the game. Before the game, the deck is shuffled, and each player is dealt two face-down cards. These cards should not be revealed to your opponents.
After the two cards are dealt, bets are placed (for two players, in a constantly changing order, they are mandatory immediately), and other players can choose to participate in the game or fold. After this betting round, three community cards are revealed. Using the cards in hand and the revealed cards on the table, you need to form the best possible combination (COMBINATIONS). Combinations are made up of cards of the same value, suit, and sequence. All of them are ranked in the rules – from the best to the weakest. The best combination is much rarer than the simplest one. For example, player A has three aces, while player B has two fours. Player A wins because three of a kind is a better combination than two of a kind.
Then, when the three community cards are revealed, another betting round takes place. After it ends, the fourth card is revealed, and bets are placed again. Finally, the fifth community card is revealed, and the last betting round begins. If all players fold by this time, the prize pool goes to the last remaining player. If players do not fold, there is a showdown (final stage), and players reveal their hidden cards. The best combination wins.
Poker rules for beginners
Where is the best place to start?
If you are a beginner, you should not dive headfirst into high-stakes games or tournaments requiring a large buy-in. This way, you risk losing a lot and being exploited by stronger players. We recommend beginners play at least a few dozen or a few hundred hours (depending on your learning ability and financial capabilities) at the lowest stakes tables or for free with friends.
Next, you can try to add new knowledge about poker probabilities (e.g., when it makes sense to raise, which combinations are considered stronger, and when it's better to fold). Remember that when playing on a computer, you can download poker software that will give you an advantage and help you find the optimal playing strategy.
By registering on the Pokeriomokykla portal, you will gain access to exclusive knowledge and exclusive material, which will inevitably help you improve as a player and allow you to progress at the fastest possible pace. The only thing separating you from the best players is a lack of experience, so the sooner you gain it, the faster you will start to exploit your advantage over weaker players and increase your earnings.
In summary, it's best to start with free or low-stakes tables, learn probabilities, and join a platform where you can see exclusive content and have the opportunity to learn individually.
The best online poker rooms:
Texas holdem poker – how to become a better player?
Know yourself as a player
If you already have some experience, skills and tips on how to become a better player might be relevant to you. There is no single, magical formula that will turn you into a true poker pro overnight. Every player, even at the highest level, has their style, strengths, and weaknesses. The best thing you can do is know your strengths and weaknesses and work on exploiting your advantages over other players and not letting them exploit your weaknesses. So the first tip is to know yourself as a player.
How to do this? Certain things can be noticed by yourself. Although these will be the most obvious conclusions, you can only see a very limited number of your strengths and gaps with your own eyes.
Another way is to use poker software. They collect a lot of information and can reveal how you behave in various situations. This data can be used to optimize your game plan and avoid mistakes. However, the best way to improve is through individual consultations, lessons, courses, or a similar program. With its help, you will surely find the optimal way to improve and achieve your desired goals as quickly as possible.
Learn to count the so-called “outs”
Probabilities in poker are almost everything. If you understand probability theory well in poker, you can expect much greater success in playing. The main way to calculate probabilities is to count “outs.” These are the cards that can complete or “make” your combination. For example, you have 8 and 9, and there are also 8, 9, and A on the table. You already have two pairs and probably the best combination, but there is always room for improvement. If another 8 or 9 comes out, you would have a Full House – one of the best combinations. Theoretically, in this situation, there are 4 “outs” because there are still two eights and two nines in the deck.
The more “outs” you have, the higher the probability of getting the needed combination and the better your chances of winning. Here is a handy table whose values are recommended to be memorized so that you instinctively know how to act in certain situations.
Table No. 1
| You have | You need | Number of outs |
| One pair | Three of a Kind | 2 |
| Two pairs
Four cards of the same suit (Four Flush) |
Flush
9
The higher the level you reach, the more useful it is to know “outs” combinations by heart. Of course, it's not difficult to calculate everything without remembering, but over time you will definitely store such knowledge in your memory.
“Outs” should not be counted twice. That is, if the drawn cards duplicate combinations (e.g., the drawn card forms both a straight and a flush), those cards cannot be counted twice. Not only your own possibilities are counted, but also the potential combinations that opponents might have.
There are also anti-outs and blocking cards. What are they? Anti-Outs are cards that can complete your combination but do not necessarily create the best chance to win. For example, if a card that was your “Out” is revealed and you now have a straight. However, at the same time, the revealed card could be the third of the same suit as two others on the table, which means you would lose to a flush.
Example: You have 7♥8♥. On the table: 5♣Q♠6♣.
You are aiming for a “Straight” and your “most awaited” cards are 4 and 9. However, if a 4 of clubs or 9 of clubs comes out, even though you have a “Straight”, there will already be three cards of the same suit (clubs) on the table, which means that even with a “Straight” – you will lose to anyone who gets a “Flush”. So out of 8 possible Outs, only 6 are actually good. Do not think that every “Out” is maximally beneficial for you. Be more conservative when calculating probabilities.
Play More
This is where most opinions diverge. Although everyone unanimously agrees that the best poker players need constant practice and that you can only gain more skills by playing more, the calculations vary on how much time is needed to go from a completely green player to a capable semi-professional or full professional.
Most opinions revolve around 3-6 months for the most talented and a 24-36 month range for those players who are more methodical and learn more through practice than theory. However, if you dedicate enough time to it, it is likely that you will reach a fairly good level (i.e., you will no longer be weak players) in 8-12 months. But then, you probably still won't be able to call yourselves professionals.
To reach a truly high level, it is generally calculated that in all fields, not just poker, you need 10,000 hours. There is an unwritten rule that if you put 10,000 hours into a craft – you will become professionals. Dividing 3 hours per day to poker, you would need to dedicate 9 years to games to collect the required number of hours. So, if you dream of becoming poker pros, you have to start now and you will need to dedicate a lot of time to it. Three hours a day will probably not be enough. However, everyone learns at an individual pace and it may very well be that you will need fewer hours. Therefore, just play, observe your progress, do not doubt the benefits of individualized training, and you will definitely improve!
The best online poker rooms:
Don't Abandon the Main Path for a Side Path
This is a more abstract piece of advice, but it is also very important. When you play poker, you need to stay maximally focused on long-term results and winnings. You cannot get lost or immediately change your strategy if you lose one prize pool. Try to maintain consistent results and positive overall earnings, rather than winning one big “pot” and then no longer being a threatening player.
We also recommend not switching between several poker programs and instead playing in one room. If you constantly change the programs you use and the rooms you play in, you will not get used to anything maximally and will not have the distinct advantage you could have. In English, this is called consistency. This is perhaps the most important and probably the most useful trait for a professional poker player who plays to earn income, not just for fun.
The Best Poker Programs for Beginner Players
Poker programs are computer tools that can help you choose the best game strategy, avoid the most common mistakes, and increase your winnings. When playing Texas Hold 'em poker online, there are certain programs that will offer the greatest benefit to beginners. These programs are:
- PokerTracker 4 – one of the more popular programs, available on both Mac and Windows platforms. PokerTracker 4 has a 14-day free trial mode, so you can partially see how the program works in real conditions. Supported 888 Poker, PokerStars, Full Tilt, and many other poker rooms. You will be able to monitor your cash flow, success curve, various statistics that can be used for learning and improvement.
Try PokerTracker4 for free!
- Simple GTO Trainer – part of a larger group of programs, Simple GTO Trainer has a lot of features to help the user improve and enhance their game. Program users can analyze Pre-Flop and Post-Flop situations and observe their tendencies, gaps, and also see what they could do differently. Simple GTO Trainer will help both beginner and advanced players to grow to a higher level.
Try GTO Trainer for free!
- Holdem Manager 3 – also known as HM3, this program is perhaps the most popular on the internet. What makes Holdem Manager 3 good for a new player? First of all, because the program collects data about other players. So, if you sit at the table with someone for the second time, you will have some information about their tendencies and playing style. HM3 is easy to customize according to your needs, and there are many analytical tools. In the group of programs, there are also other related programs that help not only analyze but also play at more tables or meet other needs.
Try HoldemManager3 for free!
Texas holdem poker online – where most players gather and the best online poker rooms
There are certainly more than one poker room where you can join and play. In Lithuania, only Betsafe operates optimally, but by properly configuring your computer's internet settings, you can easily access foreign poker rooms. Now we will review the main and most popular poker rooms that we could recommend to everyone. They offer the best bonuses for beginners and the best conditions to play.
Betsafe poker – the only fully Lithuanian poker room
Betsafe (formerly known as Tonybet) has the only and, it must be emphasized, truly excellent Lithuanian online poker room. It attracts the majority of local players who are ready to actively play and compete with each other.
Most of Betsafe visitors play lower stakes or lower limit games. If you fall among the so-called high-rollers, Betsafe is probably not the best platform for you. Through Betsafe, you can play not only traditional – the most popular, but also Chinese poker games. Beginners can take advantage of very good bonus offers and play not only on the computer but also through the mobile app.
888 Poker – one of the longest-running online poker rooms
If we look at the statistics, 888 Poker ranks in the TOP 5 online poker rooms in terms of popularity. It has between 7 and 12 million active players from around the world. Seeing such numbers, you can be sure that you will encounter not only Lithuanians but also opponents from other countries and continents.
Such a large flow also means that there are plenty of opportunities to play for both beginners and experienced players. You can play through the smart app and online. With 888 Poker, you will certainly not lack activities, as you will have many live games or live tournament options. Using this platform is convenient and simple, and beginners have a wide range of discounts and bonuses for the first registration.
PokerStars – the largest online poker room in the world
Although there are certainly other big players in the market, PokerStars is the largest player. Statistics show that 2 out of 3 online players play on the PokerStars platform. Why is it so popular? Advertising contributes a lot, but it is a very old platform whose history spans almost twenty years. Over time, it has built a loyal player base and organized many highly popular tournaments.
After downloading the program on your computer or smart app, you can start playing. With PokerStars, most poker programs work, and most tournaments take place, so it's easy to improve your skills or find interesting activities. Learn more about PokerStars
Partypoker – probably the best online poker room for Spin & Go games
It is not the largest online poker room, but there is certainly no shortage of action. Despite this, Partypoker is one of the most notable brands, managed by a reliable gambling company from the United Kingdom – GVC Holdings. A high cashback rating and convenient platform usage make it possible to recommend Partypoker to everyone who wants to play.
Texas holdem poker online – the best online poker players in the world
Although the stars of WSOP tournaments (which are broadcast on TV) and PokerStars events posted on YouTube are known to many, there are also certain stars in online poker worth knowing. By learning from their game, you can greatly improve yourself. Moreover, knowing who they are, you might one day find yourself at the same table playing Texas Holdem online.
Patrik Antonius
The Finn is one of the highest-earning online poker players in the world. He is a professional who has participated in many TV shows and top-level tournaments. It is estimated that during his online career, P. Antonius has won well over $10 million. He is best known for playing online poker at the same time when the game's popularity was growing the most.
Phil Ivey
Considered by many to be not only the best of this generation but also the best poker player of all time, American P. Ivey often plays in high-stakes tournaments and cash games online. Sources estimate that during his career, Phil Ivey has earned about $20 million from online poker alone. He has also had great success in real tournaments, where he has won 10 WSOP series bracelets.
Viktor Blom
Better known by his online nickname – Isildur1, this Swede became a kind of internet poker legend/myth until his true identity was revealed. It turns out that behind this account was a very young player (who started playing at just 15 and became famous around 18-19 years old). In two weeks, he managed to win $1.7 million, and many still consider Isildur1 to be the true Texas Holdem poker online king!
