Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world. Although Poker’s gameplay is simple, it is very challenging to become a professional player. Instead of relying on luck, this game requires strategy and skill to make decisions. There are many different ways to play Poker, but in this BET88 article, we’ll guide you through the most common way to play!
What is Poker?
Texas Hold’em poker is played with a standard 52-card deck. Known simply as “Poker” in many contexts, this version combines private cards dealt to each player with shared community cards on the table. It has grown immensely in popularity around the world—so much so that large-scale tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP), Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), and the America Poker Run (APR) attract both casual players and professionals alike.
In each round, players receive two personal “hole” cards, followed by a series of shared cards revealed over several betting stages. Players wager on whether their hand—formed by combining their hole cards with the community cards—will be the strongest.
Poker pits players not only against the dealer, but also against each other. That competitive element demands skill, psychological savvy, and classic strategy, making Poker a deeply engaging card game.
Poker saw a global boom in the early 2000s, fueled by televised tournaments and online play. It reached the Philippines nearly a decade ago and quickly became a sensation. You can now enjoy Poker either through online platforms like BET8 or in home games with friends.
Poker Terminology You Should Know
- Fold: Withdraw from the current hand. You lose any bets you’ve already placed.
- Check: Stay in the hand without betting—only allowed if no one else has bet.
- Call: Match the current highest bet to stay in the round.
- Raise: Increase the current bet, putting more money into the pot.
- Bet: Place chips in the pot—either to see it grow or to push others to act.
- All-in: Bet your entire chip stack. You can only win up to the point in the pot that matches your all-in.
- Pot: The total amount of chips bet by players in one hand.
Basic Beginner’s Help Guide to 2-Card Poker
Poker tables usually seat between 2 and 10 players. Most commonly you’ll encounter 9-player or 6-player tables. A marker, the dealer button (marked “D”), indicates which player is acting as the dealer for that round. After each hand, the button moves one seat to the left, rotating the dealer role fairly.
The game combines each player’s two personal cards with five shared community cards to form the strongest possible five-card hand. There are four main betting stages: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river. Players can win either by having the highest ranking hand at the final showdown or by forcing everyone else to fold earlier in the round.
This variation of Poker emphasizes both skill and psychological acuity, making it exciting for both beginners and seasoned players.
Step-by-Step Poker Gameplay BET88
Round 1: Pre-Flop
Once the dealer button is in place, two mandatory forced bets called “blinds” are posted – the small blind and the big blind. After every player receives their two hole cards, a betting round kicks off with the player directly to the left of the big blind. Options include:
- Call: Match the big blind.
- Raise: Increase the bet.
- Fold: Leave the hand if your cards are weak.
- All-in: Bet all your remaining chips.
The pre-flop phase ends when all players match the current bet and no further raises occur.
Round 2: Flop
The dealer places the first three community cards face-up in the middle of the table—this is called the flop. These cards are available for everyone to use. A new round of betting begins with the first active player left of the dealer. You can:
- Check if no one bet yet.
- Call the current bet.
- Raise the bet.
- Fold.
Round 3: Turn
The dealer deals the fourth community card, known as the turn, face-up. Another round of betting ensues, starting from the first remaining player to the dealer’s left. Options remain the same: check, call, raise, or fold.
Round 4: River
The dealer flips the fifth and final community card—this is the river. Players now know their full 5-card hand possibilities. A final round of betting takes place. After that, if more than one player remains, a showdown occurs: all active players reveal their cards, and the strongest 5-card hand wins the pot.
Poker hand rankings from highest to lowest are:
- Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10 of same suit)
- Straight Flush (five consecutive cards of same suit)
- Four of a Kind
- Full House (three of a kind + a pair)
- Flush (five cards of same suit)
- Straight (five sequential cards)
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card (when no other hand is made)
Tips for Beginner Players
- Start with tight play: Stick to strong starting hands such as high pairs (AA, KK, QQ), high face cards, or suited connectors (e.g., 10-J suited).
- Position matters: Being in a later seat lets you act after seeing how others play, which is a significant advantage.
- Bluff sparingly: Use bluffing to complement your strong hands—but be selective. Experienced opponents can see through frequent bluffs.
- Manage your bankroll: Only bet amounts you’re comfortable losing. Avoid going all-in unless you’re confident in your hand or bluff.
- Read opponents: Watch for physical tells in live games or timing tells in online play (like quick checks or instant raises).
- Know when to fold: If your hand has low chances of improving, don’t hesitate to fold and save chips for better opportunities.
- Stay calm and observant: Poker is a game of patience and mental fortitude. Don’t let emotions guide your moves.
- Practice regularly: Use low-stakes games or play-money tables on BET88 to gain experience and build confidence.
Why Playing Poker on BET88 Is a Great Choice
BET88 offers a secure, accessible, and entertaining way to learn and excel at Poker. With user-friendly interfaces, real-time action, and flexible bet sizes, it’s ideal for beginners. Plus, many online platforms offer tutorials, sandbox modes, and community forums to support learning—all without risking real money at first.
Furthermore, BET88 often hosts promotions and tournaments that let you earn bonuses, wallets for freerolls, or real cash prizes. These serve as great motivation and rewards for new players.
Final Thoughts
Poker isn’t just a game—it’s a test of logic, psychology, and discipline. While the rules can be grasped quickly, true mastery comes with careful study and practice. Understanding hand rankings, betting psychology, opponent habits, and strong positional play gives you a lasting edge.
Playing on BET88 provides a safe, fun environment to learn these skills, sharpen your instincts, and improve over time. Whether you’re aiming to play casually with friends or dreaming of tournament glory, this guide will give you a strong foundation for success.