Poker
Introduction
Poker is the king of card games - a game of skill and luck which requires nerves of steel and good betting decisions to be successful. A sound knowledge of mathematical probablility can give a player a great edge, as can the 'gift of the gab', and the ability to read faces and body language. There are many subtleties to the game that cannot be appreciated easily.
Poker Variants
The game evolved, reputedly from a French card game called Poque, into several poker games, in America towards the end of the 19th century. Variants included Draw, Stud and Texas Hold 'Em Poker. Texas Hold 'Em, a relative newcomer, is now the most widely played poker game. The most TV-friendly of the poker disciplines, televised Hold 'Em tournaments like the World Series of Poker helped grow the popularity of the game. Hold 'Em is also the predominant type of poker played on the Internet.
Online Poker
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of online poker rooms and casinos. We will review here some of our favourite poker rooms, which are all reputable and at which we have spent time playing.
Poker Stars
***** -
Sponsors of the prestigious European Poker Tour, poker-uk.net recommends this site as the best we've found. The action is quick and there is a huge variety of games, including Hold 'Em (limit and no-limit), Omaha (regular and Hi/Lo) and Stud Poker.
Play tournament or ring games for large or small stakes (tournament buy-ins for as little as $1!) at tables with 2 to 9 seats. Multi-table tournaments from 18 to several thousand players! Plenty of freeroll tournaments, Frequent Player Points and satellites into the European Poker Tour.
This site won't disappoint - something for every player's preferences! Endorsed by the 3 previous years' WSOP (World Series of Poker) World Champions - Chris Moneymaker, Joseph Hachem and Greg Raymer!
Ladbrokes Poker
*****
One of the biggest names in UK gambling, Ladbrokes have taken a dominant position in the online poker market. They have sponsored several major tournaments, and are now one of Europe's leading poker sites.
They don't allow Americans into the rooms, which greatly reduces the number of professional poker sharks you'll come up against.
Play at Ladbrokes Poker
PokerRoom.com
***** -
Great character graphics and lively chat, coupled with a community website 'Pokah!' make online poker a more sociable exercise. Their software is lightweight and responsive, and being Java-based you don't need to install it on your computer.
Play at PokerRoom.com
