Poker. Poker! POKER! It seems every man and their dog is playing poker these days, and the web is awash with sites offering online Texas hold’em. But is there a difference between online and ‘real life’ play? Many aficionados would say yes, but with more and more players turning to the net for their poker fix – maybe the future of the game is virtual. This article will examine the differences between playing online and in person, with a focus on the advantages of playing from the comfort of your home on sites like
www.almaspoker.com. So keep reading, and get ready to go all in as we take a look at the world of online poker.
What the heck is Hold’em? Just in case you live in a cave – one where poker is not played – here is a brief description of the poker craze that has gripped the planet. It al began in Vegas, with the World Series of Poker (WSOP). The WSOP has been around for over 30 years, located mainly at Binion’s Horseshoe in Vegas. This championship poker game became wildly known as the best poker championship on earth, and soon drew the attention of fans and celebrities. Flash forward to this century, and you now have everything from celebrity poker series, pro circuits, and an expanded WSOP. Both the tournament and some of the players have been featured in movies, and every year new legends and heroes are created.
Hold’em is the game the players play, and it is a free for all form of poker. Each player is dealt a total of 2 down cards, and they form their hand using 5 community cards that are revealed in the centre of the table. The ‘flop’ is the first three cards, followed by the ‘turn’, and finally the ‘river’. There is betting before the flop and then after each reveal, and in no limit hold’em, players can bet their entire stake – commonly referred to as ‘all in’. What makes the game exciting is the sheer amount of cash involved, and the ability to scare better hands off with strategic betting.
Online Benefits
www.almaspoker.com offers hold’em, and it is without a doubt the most popular, interesting, and fun game to play. Unlike most casino games (online or real life), poker has less to do with luck than skill. Knowing when to play certain hands and when to fold has a lot to do with your skill level, knowing the odds, and knowing how to play your hand as well as the other players. Here are some of the differences between online and real life play.
The Reveal: If you have a tendency to reveal your good or bad hands through some sort of nervous habit (coughing, chip shuffling, etc.), online play can help. You have the option of chatting or not, so if you stay quiet you will not reveal your hand.
24 Hour Gaming: Can’t wait for the Saturday night game with your buddies? The Internet is open 24/7, and thanks to worldwide access there are always lots of players looking for a game. Even better, people who come to online sites are like people who go to Vegas – real gamblers. That means you will be playing against people who understand the game, not some guy form the office who has to consult a sheet that tells him the order of the hands.
Quantity vs. Quality: A lot of good players learn the game by playing with friends or family, but this can be very limiting. The stakes are sure to be lower, and those around you will hamper your skill and development. Online play offers you a wider pool of players to choose from, and they can only play if they pay. This means you don’t have to worry about IOUs from your brother-in-law.
Security: If you have ever left a big game late at night, that wad of bill sin your pocket feels like an anchor as you walk to your car. Online games eliminate this issue altogether, as your account is secure and you play from the comfort of your home.
Better Playing Environment: Although it is exciting the first few times you play poker at a casino, eventually the cigar and cigarette smoke wears you down. Couple that with the cheesy music, annoying chatter from your opponents, the slow cocktail waitresses, and the uncomfortable seats – and you have all the reasons you need for sitting at home in your boxers while playing on your state-of-the-art laptop.
Fun: Poker is always fun, but sometimes it can be a struggle to get enough players together for a game of hold’em. You won’t have this problem online, and the people that come into poker sites are people who love to play poker. No more reluctant friend from work who needs to have everything explained (and then wins!). Online players come prepared, and both the pace and quality of play are excellent.
No Garbage Games: A lot of all night poker sessions with boys end up being dealer’s choice, and someone always wants to play with wildcards. Although it can be fun, usually it is annoying and detracts from the enjoyment of serious poker players.
Anytime, Anywhere: One of the best features of online play is that your game travels with you. So you can be anywhere in the world and still sit in on a great game. All you need is a computer and the Internet, and you are good to go. It beats watching a bad movie in a hotel room near an airport!
Final Thoughts
Strategically, there are only minor differences between online and real life games. If you are the kind of person who likes to verbally berate and prod their opponents, then you might have a bit of an adjustment period in cyberspace. But most people prefer the equaling of the playing field that online play can offer, where the game breaks down into its pure essentials – strategic betting and smart card playing. So if you have never tried online poker before, be prepared for a lot of action. It’s fun, friendly, and did we mention there is an ALL IN button? What are you waiting for? www.almaspoker.com is just a click away!
