Poker is one of the most traditional card games. It is believed to derive from the Paque, a French game that has some similarities with the actual form of the game.
Others think it has Persian origins, and link Poker with another ancient game called As-Nas.
Whatever the truth about Poker origins may be, there are records that establish the popularity of the game at the beginning of the 19th century.
The game spread rapidly through commerce and military influence making it quite common to find a poker table in the American South from the 19th century and beyond.
Even though at the beginning of its popularization, poker had different rules, the game is pretty much the same, with some variations.
It is believed that in its early years, poker was played only with 20 cards, from ace to ten; while in the modern form of the game a standard 52-card deck is used.
Online Poker
The internet changed almost everything in our lives and gambling is not an exception. New online casinos and gambling sites, available just by an internet-connected device are currently a growing trend.
When the online gambling business started, many old-school gamblers were reluctant to go online to place bets. They enjoyed the atmosphere of land-based casinos and were not eager to change that experience for a virtual one.
Nowadays, under thirties are digital natives and have a completely different experience of the internet and virtual experiences. They appreciate the possibility to gamble from the comfort of their homes, using a mobile device or a personal computer.
Thus, the online gambling industry is increasing exponentially across the globe, prompting regulatory changes and providing many exciting opportunities for gamblers to enjoy.
Among the online gambling trend, online poker is one of the most popular games.
Live Poker vs Online Poker
Currently, there are two main ways of playing poker through an internet-connected device. One is called Live Poker and the other one is known as Online Poker.
Even though it can be confusing, Live Poker and Online Poker are both virtual experiences in which gamblers must use an internet-connected device to access a poker table.
Nevertheless, Live Poker and Online Poker are quite different experiences. On the one hand, Live Poker is a real-life experience in which each gambler must join a virtual poker table and compete against other players from around the world. It is a synchronic experience, in which all the players are reunited through a virtual interface to play poker.
On the other hand, Online Poker is a complete virtual experience in which players are along playing against the house, which is most likely software.
In both cases, poker rules are the same, but the experience is very different. Most poker players think that Live Poker is a much more exciting experience since you are gambling against real people from all over the world. Also, in Live Poker language and information plays a major role in the game, prompting the development of strategies based on what you think the other player will do. This makes Live Poker the closest experience to land-based poker.
Yet some gamblers prefer to play online poker games because they have less time and cannot stay connected through a complete game, or enjoy playing at any time, without following any schedule.
Tips to choose a poker table
If you are new to the virtual poker world, below there are some tips that may help you through your first steps in the field.
- Define which your virtual poker game
As we said before, Live Poker and Online Poker are quite different experiences, so take some time to decide if you like to reproduce the experience of a real tournament or if you prefer to try a single-player game.
- Choose a safe site to play
Do some online research before depositing your money on any gambling site. There are many online reviews that can guide you through safe and reputable sites in which you can get the best experience.
- Understand the rules of the site
Once you have decided where to gamble online, take some time to explore the site. Read the terms and conditions and the Frequently Asked Questions in order to fully understand how the site works
- Start small
If you are a new poker player, the best option for you is to start with Online Poker to train yourself without the pressure of a tournament. Also, try to bet small until you get enough experience.
- Be a responsible player
Only gamble to entertain yourself, with money you can afford to invest and within a limited period.