Poker Guide: How to Play Poker, Rules, Hands & Card Rankings

Poker has been played for centuries and remains one of the most recognisable card games worldwide. In the UK, you can find it in some land-based casinos and on many licensed online sites. 

This guide explains how poker works, some common rules, how hands rank, and the main versions of the game. If you are new, this may help you better understand the basics before deciding if you want to take part. 

Remember that rules and hand rankings can differ slightly depending on the version and where you play, so it may be a good idea to check the paytable and game rules before placing any bets.

What Is Poker and How Does It Work?

Poker is a card game where players compare hands to decide a winner. Unlike blackjack or roulette, most versions are not played against the casino itself, but against other players. The aim is either to have the strongest five-card hand at the end, or to make others fold earlier through betting.

The most widely played form in the UK is Texas Hold’em. Each player is dealt two private cards (called hole cards) and up to five community cards are placed face up on the table. A winning hand is made using any combination of five from these seven cards.

Not all versions follow this structure. In draw poker, players receive a full hand straight away and may swap some cards for new ones. In stud poker, each player builds a hand from a mix of face-up and face-down cards, with no shared community cards.

Poker is not a game of certainty. Decision-making plays a role, but the cards are dealt at random, so there is no strategy that ensures success in every hand.

Basic Poker Rules Explained

Although each version has its own rules, there are some common steps you will come across:

  1. Players receive their cards.
  2. Bets are placed in turn, often starting with forced bets, such as blinds or antes, that create an initial pot.
  3. Cards may be revealed in stages (community cards in Hold’em, extra draws in other formats).
  4. After the final betting round, players reveal their cards if more than one is still in.

The winner is the player holding the highest-ranked five-card hand or, if everyone else folds, the last remaining player.

Betting structures can also differ:

  • No Limit: You may bet any amount up to your full stack of chips.
  • Pot Limit: The maximum bet or raise is tied to the current pot size.
  • Fixed Limit: Bets and raises follow set amounts at each stage.

House rules, such as minimum buy-ins or time allowed to act, can change the pace of the game. These may be worth checking in advance.

How Do Poker Hands Rank?

Knowing poker hand rankings is essential, as it decides who wins at showdown. In most UK games, hands are ranked from highest to lowest as follows, using standard 52-card decks.

Royal Flush

Five cards in sequence from Ten to Ace, all in the same suit. Example: Ten, Jack, Queen, King, Ace of hearts.

Straight Flush

Five cards in sequence, all in the same suit, but not Ten to Ace. Example: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of spades.

Four of a Kind

Four cards of the same rank, plus a fifth card called the kicker. Example: four Kings and a 7.

Full House

Three cards of one rank and two of another. Example: three 9s and two 4s.

Flush

Any five cards of the same suit that are not in sequence. Example: 2, 7, 9, Jack, King of clubs.

Straight

Five consecutive cards of mixed suits. Example: 4 of hearts, 5 of clubs, 6 of diamonds, 7 of spades, 8 of hearts.

Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same rank, plus two other cards. Example: 8 of hearts, 8 of diamonds, 8 of spades, with an Ace and a 3.

Two Pair

Two cards of one rank and two of another, plus a fifth card. Example: two 6s and two Queens, with a 5.

One Pair

A single pair, plus three other cards. Example: two 5s with a King, 9 and 2.

High Card

If no player has any of the above, the highest single card decides it. Example: Ace-high beats King-high.

If hands are tied, the rank of the unmatched cards, known as kickers, decides the winner. If all cards are the same, the pot is usually split equally.

Aces can be high or low in straights, so A-2-3-4-5 may be valid. 

Suits do not have a hierarchy; a flush in hearts does not outrank a flush in clubs solely by suit. 

Once you have the rankings clear, you can start comparing different game types and see how the same principles may apply.

What Are the Different Types of Poker Games?

Poker comes in several forms, and the way cards are dealt changes how hands are built:

  • Texas Hold’em – The most common format in the UK. Two hole cards per player, with up to five community cards.
  • Omaha – Four hole cards per player. Exactly two must be used with three from the community cards.
  • Seven-Card Stud – No shared cards. Players combine their best five cards out of seven dealt partly face up. 
  • Five-Card Draw – Players receive five private cards and may exchange some for new ones.
  • Casino Hold’em – A house-banked version of Hold’em where you play against the dealer, rather than other players.

Online platforms may also offer versions such as Caribbean Stud or Three Card Poker, which are house-banked and played differently to standard peer-to-peer poker.

Formats can be divided into cash games (chips represent money and can be cashed out at any time) and tournaments (entry fees buy chips that are used until one player has them all). 

Buy-in amounts, blind structures and tournament rules can vary, so you may want to check the details before joining.

How Do Betting Rounds in Poker Work?

Betting is the point where decisions matter. In Hold’em or Omaha, the action begins with blinds, which are forced bets posted by two players before cards are dealt. This ensures there is something to play for in every hand.

Each player then takes their turn clockwise:

  • Fold – Surrender the hand and take no further part.
  • Call – Match the highest bet placed so far.
  • Raise – Increase the bet, which others must match to continue.
  • Check – If no bet is on the table, pass the action to the next player without adding chips.

As community cards are revealed, further betting rounds take place. If one player bets all their chips, this is called going all-in. If opponents have more chips, separate “side pots” may be created.

If all but one player folds, the remaining player wins without showing cards. If two or more reach the end, there is a showdown where the best five-card hand takes the pot.

Common Terms Used in Poker

Poker has a language of its own. Some key terms include:

  • Blind – The compulsory bets that begin the action.
  • Button – A rotating marker that shows who is the dealer for that hand.
  • Flop, Turn, River – The three stages of community cards revealed in Hold’em.
  • Hole Cards – Your private cards dealt face down.
  • Kicker – A side card that helps decide any tied hands.
  • Pot – The total chips wagered in a hand.

These terms often come up across multiple versions, although the exact betting order and structure may differ.

Playing Poker Responsibly in the UK

Playing poker responsibly means setting your limits and playing for enjoyment, rather than for monetary gain. It’s important to know when to step back and ensure that you’re comfortable with the stakes involved.

Dream Jackpot online casino is registered with the UKGC, making it a trustworthy place to play real money casino games. It offers a variety of games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker, all available in an easy-to-navigate platform.

To explore the offerings at Dream Jackpot online casino, you can join or log in easily. While enjoying the games, keep these responsible gambling tips in mind:

  • Set a budget and stick to it.
  • Take regular breaks.
  • Understand the rules and know how each game works before playing for real money.
  • Remember playing is for fun, and it’s okay to stop whenever you feel it’s the right decision.

Dream Jackpot online casino offers an entertaining environment to enjoy your favourite games responsibly.

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.