How to Bet in Poker?

Your poker wagers depend very much on the hand you are holding. Think about whether you are an aggressive player who likes to make the best of what you’re holding, or a more passive player who prefers to fold more often and wait for the best hands to show up. Experts advise being flexible and carefully observing your opponent’s behaviour.

It’s worth learning the valuable poker card combinations off by heart so that you can make split second decisions when you’re in the middle of an action game. The hands are described from the strongest to the weakest.

Put your tips on how to bet on our Message Boards, and read more tips from other players.

Royal Flush
This is made up of the five highest cards, the 10 through the Ace, all five of the same suit. A royal flush is actually an ace-high straight flush. Which suit it is doesn't matter in poker. Two people with royal flushes would tie. If you are holding a Royal Flush, it’s most likely you have the strongest hand at the table, so don’t be afraid to raise.

Straight Flush
Any five cards of the same suit in consecutive numerical order. This is a strong hand, and players can feel confident about moving ahead in the game and raising – just be observant of the other player’s moves.

Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same denomination. The odds are still pretty good on you taking the pot, but at this point you have to start being cautious because there are two major card combinations that could lose you the game. Watch out for a usually tight player who insists on staying in the game with you – they could have the winning combination.

Full House
Any three cards of the same denomination, plus any pair of a different denomination. Ties are broken first by the three of a kind, then the pair. Well, most players feel pretty comfortable with a Full House, and it’s a safe hand to play fairly aggressively, but keep a careful eye on the opposition.

Flush
Any five non-consecutive cards of the same suit. You don’t do too badly with this hand, but be ready to fold in case you notice usually passive players behaving aggressively – they may have the power to beat your hand, and it’s worth limiting your losses.

Straight
Any five consecutive cards of mixed suits. Ace can be high or low. With five hands that are far stronger than a straight, it’s worth being cautious, although it’s a good hand to test other player’s resolve and see how they behave if you raise. Just don’t go too far if the table is full of aggressive, confident players.

Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same denomination. For the next four hands, make sure that you use them to build a reputation for playing smart – don’t lose too much money raising, you may lose other player’s respect if they call your bluff. Having said that, we are of course aware that you simply never know, and sometimes it’s worth risking it!!

Two Pair
Any two cards of the same denomination, plus any other two cards of the same denomination. If both hands have the same high pair, the second pair wins. If both pairs tie, the high card wins.

Pair
Any two cards of the same denomination.

High Card
If no other hand is achieved, the highest card held wins.

Sponsored by www.pokerplex.com