In the field of poker, it’s something they’ve been trying for decades and only occasionally getting away with. The pastime, or should we say sport, of poker has become a massive industry in recent decades, and it’s an activity millions upon millions of us enjoy.

Of all the poker scenes put to celluloid, here are our three favorites, not necessarily due to their realistic nature but more for their iconic impact. By the way, if you are an avid poker fan out of Pennsylvania, you may want to check out this helpful list of the best PA online poker sites around.

The Sting (1973)

This classic comedy caper from George Roy Hill sees Paul Newman and Robert Redford deliver a masterclass in suave elegance as they grift their way to a killing. Robert Shaw, best known for his performance as Quint in Jaws, is the ‘Mark’ for their big con, and that’s because the tyrannical gangster was behind the killing of their friend in Illinois during the Great Depression.

In order to set the scene and lure in Shaw, Newman constructs a con that involves a high-stakes poker game that takes place on board a train. It’s an iconic scene and one that lives long in the memory.

Newman plays an obnoxious drunk who riles up Shaw and his fellow players, giving them a sense of false expectations, only to then beat him in a way that clearly shows his opponent that he’s cheated. However, it’s not a claim Shaw can make, given he, too, has been cheating.

It lays the groundwork for the ultimate con that takes place in the final act and is beautifully crafted from both a cinematic perspective as well as a nod to poker lovers out there, who no doubt know the scene back to front.

Rounders (1998)

This 90s favorite, starring Matt Damon and Ed Norton as the leads, is pretty much the poker equivalent to The Color of Money. Mike McDermott (Damon) is studying law while making a few extra bucks on the side as a poker player. He’s a happy-go-lucky type of guy whose best friend happens to be something of a risk-taker, leading him down all sorts of roads he’d rather not have traveled.

Throughout the film, McDermott is effectively playing in order to keep his friend, Worm (Norton), out of jail or the hands of the mobsters, and it all comes down to a final card game against the hilarious “Teddy KGB,” a riotous over the top portrayal of a Russian gangster from John Malkovich, which effectively steals the film.

By the end of the film, Mike has worked out KGB’s ‘tell’ and subsequently lures him in and wins back all that he is owed, resulting in his friend escaping the clutches of the mob and a tidy little nest egg for himself.

Throughout the movie, we are given an education into poker rooms, both big and small, and while it’s all a little bit ‘on the nose,’ it’s nonetheless entertaining, and the movie played its part in making poker very cool again.

Casino Royale (2006)

Daniel Craig successfully brought James Bond back to life following Pierce Brosnan’s slightly over-the-top run as 007, and in his first outing during 2006’s Casino Royale, he partakes in a big money poker game in Monte Carlo.

Unsurprisingly he’s going up against an ingenious madman who wants to destroy the world, as is traditional, but first, there’s the important matter of a card game played in a very opulent setting.

Of course, Bond wins after a poor start and pockets $100 million, further irritating La Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) when he gets a straight flush, beating his opponent’s full house.

What Is The Longest Game of Poker?

The longest poker game ever played, according to Wikipedia, occurred way back in the 19th Century.

From 1881-1889, the Bird Cage Theatre hosted a poker game that ran 24 hours per day, every day, for eight years.

As you might imagine, the venue located in Tombstone, Arizona, witnessed millions of dollars exchange hands over the course of those eight years. Some of the notable poker players who participated in the $1,000 minimum buy-in game included John Henry ‘Doc’ Holiday, Wyatt Earp, and Bat Masterson.

Converted into modern day currency, the Bird Cage Theatre poker game had a minimum buy-in of approximately $31,000 – quite the high roller table indeed!

Has The Record Already Been Broken?

Given the overall global appeal and popularity of poker and the number of card rooms that spread the game daily, it is unknown whether the Tombstone, Arizona, record has already been broken, or might be broken in the future.

While it IS true that many venues do in fact host 24/7 poker games, it is unclear whether

• the same poker table is used for all poker play
• there are any breaks of inactivity due to maintenance, sanitary efforts, or mechanical failures
• a current casino or card room would be interested in publicly knocking the Bird Cage Theatre off from its perch atop the list

How Long Does a “Long” Poker Session Last?

The answer to this question may vary per human being, poker game availability (for live venues), or the specific blind structure of a poker tournament.

Suffice to say that there are very few poker tournaments that last more than a few days. However, some of the major live events like the World Series of Poker Main Event can span out over several months in cases where a “November Nine” format is implemented.

From 2008-2016, the $10,000 buy-in WSOP Main Event hosted thousands of hopefuls who entered the tournament during one of the summer months. But when the action had played down to nine remaining contestants, play was paused (for months) until November of the same calendar year.

With the commonplace status of poker live streams these days, the public is aware that a single game or individual poker session can easily last for several hours.

For private games, a player may “write home about” (or post on social media) an individual session that lasted a particularly long period of time. With that said, there aren’t really any high profile, public posts that provide proof of (or even claim) a long poker session that rivals Zach Gensler‘s current record of 5+ days without interruption.

What Are the Longest Poker Games?

The sheer nature of a poker cash game includes the ability for one or more players to get up and leave the table at any time of their choosing.

For this reason, there really isn’t that much of a pop-culture link between the game itself and any corresponding “longest poker games.”

As a rule of thumb, you can expect a game with more cards involved to consume a longer amount of time per hand than a variant that requires fewer cards to be dealt and/or placed face-up.

The rules of Omaha poker state that each player is entitled to four hole cards, which means a live dealer will be tasked with making two additional “rounds” during the preflop dealing phase.

In Seven Card Stud, a betting round exists not only for the preliminary and final hole card phases, but also for each face-up or “door” card that is dealt to the players who remain in the hand.

For this reason, a six-handed 7 Card Stud game might witness fewer hands per hour on average than a heads-up Texas Hold’em game.

Of course, there are other mixed game poker variants, like draw games — or even other card games altogether — that may last a longer or shorter period of time.

For example, the length of time to play a single card game of War will vary based on how many cards to dealt to each player (the more cards, the longer amount of time the game will take to complete on average).

So, too, a game of Pyramid will take a noticeably longer amount of time to complete in a live setting in which physical playing cards are laid out compared to online. The same can be said for Solitaire.

How Long Do Poker Games Last?

Unless all players have previously agreed upon a mandatory “minimum time commitment” to a particular game (like in a typical home game), you should be able to sit out and leave a poker game at your own convenience. In other words, a poker ring game (cash game) for one individual should last only as long as you are comfortable playing in it.

The exception to this general rule is when players attempt to manipulate a game’s fairness by “Sitting In” only when they’re in position and “Sitting Out” when it is their turn to pay the blinds.

Overall, most regularly-scheduled home games probably last a few hours while a casino-hosted cash game can endure for at least days or weeks at a time without interruption.

How Long Do Poker Tournaments Last?

As explained above, poker tournaments like hyper-turbo online events can begin and conclude within a few short minutes, while more drawn-out blind structures or outright pauses can mean that a poker tournament takes several months to finish.

If you’re concerned about the element of time when desiring to play a poker tournament, you can always consult the event’s blind structure to gauge how long a specific tournament might take to conclude. Of course, two tournaments with the exact same structure and amount of entrants can differ in the amount of time they take to finish.

So if you only have three hours to play poker before you will be forced to leave or sign-off, don’t register for a multi-day poker tournament!

Yet three hours may be plenty of time to compete in multiple Hyper-Turbo and/or lottery-style online Sit & Go tournaments — which you can zip in and out of games that only take a few minutes to complete.

Typical “daily” or “nightly” live poker tournaments that you’ll commonly find in casinos and poker rooms around the world take approximately 5-8 hours to complete.

Online Poker Time Banks and Live Poker Shot Clocks

A player is not allowed to take an unlimited amount of time when deciding how to act during any given poker hand.

For online poker, it is common for “time banks” to be used in a way that set a pre-determined limit on how long any player can take before that player’s hand is folded.

Live poker “shot clocks” are also used during select high profile tournaments (some of these, like the WPT’s “Action Clock” even have their own trademark). It is also common for players at any given live poker table (cash game or tournament) to “call the clock” on a player who may be taking an excessive amount of time to bet/fold/call/raise.

How Can I See More Poker Hands Per Hour?

It’s no secret that online poker sites offer players an opportunity to see many more hands per hour than they would at a live card room or home game venue.

So if you want to see more poker hands, multi-tabling online poker games is the solution.

Full-ring live poker games are notorious for “dragging out” at times. If you want to see fewer hands per hour, then a 10-handed, Fixed Limit Omaha Hi/Lo live game or a 6-handed Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo live game (if you can find one these days) will work quite nicely.

Keep in mind that certain card rooms will not be in a position to spread small stakes fixed limit Omaha Hi/Lo or fixed limit 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo games (or other variants/formats/stakes) due to their relative lack of profitability versus No Limit Hold’em games.

It’s unlikely you’ll find a $0.10/$0.20 game (of any variant or format) at a live venue, but you WILL find this range of poker game stakes along with different variants available when you play online.

How Do Poker Game Lengths Relate to Poker Strategy?

If you’re a winning poker player who has mastered poker strategy, then you’ll want to see as many hands as possible against inferior competition in order to maximize your Big Blinds per 100 hands (BB/100) profit rate.

Of course, the greater your edge over your opponents, the more time you should be willing to commit to any given poker game. Below we give examples of playing for three different stake levels, and which is mathematically the most profitable stake level based on number of hands seen per hour.

If your edge in a six-handed NLHE $5/$10 live game is 0.5BB/100, and you see 20 hands per hour, then your hourly rate expectation works out to $1. (Calculation: $10 Big Blind amount times 0.5 BB/100 equals $5 per 100 hands — so 20 hands per hour equals $1.00 when $5 is multiplied by 0.2)

If your edge in a heads-up NLHE $2/5 online cash game is 0.33BB/100, and you see 100 hands per hour, then your hourly rate expectation is $1.67. (Calculation: $5 Big Blind amount times 0.33 BB/100 equals $1.67 per 100 hands — so 100 hands per hour equals $1.67 when $1.67 is multiplied by 1.0)

And if your edge in a three-handed $0.50/$1.00 NLHE online cash game is 2.5BB/100, and you see 80 hands per hour, then your hourly rate expectation will total $2. (Calculation: $1 Big Blind times 2.5 BB/100 equals $2.50 per 100 hands — so 80 hands per hour equals $2.00 when $2.50 is multiplied by 0.8)

How Long Does it Take to Become a Poker Pro?

Rather than measuring this concept in “time,” it is more instructive to measure your journey from losing player to winning player by the number of hands it takes to achieve such a goal.

If your self-marketing skills are astute, you might even be able to turn pro before you ever play a single poker hand or invest one second at a live or virtual poker table! You can accomplish this by getting staked.

For those playing on their own dime, the most common way to become a poker pro is to:

• grind away at micro and low stakes poker games
• become a winning player in those games
• rinse and repeat while working your way up the poker stakes ladder
• accumulate a sufficient bankroll and become skilled enough to beat higher stakes poker games
• become a “full-time” pro only when it becomes glaringly obvious that you’re making more money at the poker tables than you are at your day job
• aspire to continually increase your expectation in the games you’re playing, even if you are already beating them for a sufficient amount

For some online pros who began their poker journey back in the early and mid-2000s, this entire process was completed in just a few short months. However, very few of those players (including myself) remain profitable in the games they used to soundly defeat, as the overall player skill level has improved vastly over the years.

Players can improve. This includes yourself and your opponents. And the corresponding hourly or BB/100 expectation can fluctuate on a daily (or even hand-by-hand) basis depending on your own skills and that of your opponents.

Can I Shorten The Poker Learning Curve?

Even though players tend to be far better today than they used to be, yes you can certainly still shorten the poker learning curve (along with the amount of hands or amount of time) that it takes to become profitable at any given poker game. This is quite simply due to the plethora of learning material available and the ability to play online poker.

Some of the most common resources that beginning players use to improve their poker skills include poker books, poker forums, social media, poker training sites, and other information that can be gained through one’s own experience.

As with most endeavors, be patient and strive to constantly improve to increase your chances of success.

The Longest Poker Tournament Ever

The longest poker tournament in history lasted for an incredible timespan of eight years. Believe it or not, this odyssey of a tournament happened in Arizona’s Bird Cage Theatre, and poker was played continuously for 24 hours every day, seven days a week, from 1881 to 1889. During that amount of time, a sum of $10 million was exchanged.

The First Real Money Online Poker Game

Today online gaming is a rather common phenomenon, and many players enjoy challenging themselves with an online game. If you are one of them, you can play live blackjack here, and have fun meeting people from all around the globe. Online poker changed everything, and this revolution started in 1998 when the first online game of poker was played. This signed the beginning of a new era, and it allowed players to compete with people from any place on the planet, creating an unprecedented online community that is still growing today.

Black Friday

This event is widely known in the poker community, as on the 15th of April 2011, the US Department of Justice shut down several extremely well-established online poker sites. This fact impacted the industry of online poker like no other event and started a sequence of changes in the world of online poker, and in the poker industry overall.

The Origin of the Game of Poker

Many people love poker, but do all these people know about its origins? Poker’s exact origin is a mystery, but many think that it originated in China a very long time ago. The game evolved, and it spread to different parts of the world, and it became one of the most beloved and famous games ever.

The Largest Poker Event Ever

Without a doubt, the World Series of Poker Main Event, is the biggest, most important poker tournament on the annual calendar. This past summer, the WSOP Main Event broke the record for most participants in its illustrious history with 10,043. The previous record of 8,773 had stood for 17 years. It is great to see more and more players learning how to play poker and taking their shot in the biggest poker event of the year. Of course, there are tons of other poker tournaments taking place every day, week, and month of the year, most of which feature a buy-in far lower than the $10,000 cost of the WSOP Main Event, and thus giving even those with more meager bankrolls the chance to play and win.

Only 20 Cards

In the early days of poker, the game was played with only 20 cards. Can you believe it? Nowadays, the game has evolved, and it is played with the standard 52-card decks. Of course there are plenty of poker variants, but the most popular one is Texas Hold’em. But back then, at the beginning of the game, only 20 cards were needed to play what would become one of the most popular games ever created.

The Mysterious Origins of Poker

While the exact origins of poker are unknown, most believe it evolved from older card games in the early 1800s in North America. Some theories suggest it originated from the Persian game of As Nas, the French game of poque, or the German game of pochen – all games involving bluffing and betting.

One of the earliest documented mentions of poker appeared in 1834, when Jonathan H. Green chronicled the rules for the “cheating game” frequently played by swindlers traveling on Mississippi riverboats. This version involved 20 cards instead of the standard 52-card deck we use today. By the 1850s, poker spread via steamboats to New Orleans and throughout the South.

The Growth of Draw Poker Variations

During the Civil War, poker continued to expand as soldiers from both the North and South played variations like stud and draw poker to pass the time. Five-card draw emerged as one of the most popular versions, and involved drawing new cards to improve one’s hand.

Later in 1875, the Joker was introduced as a wild card, adding a new element of chance and flexibility to poker hands. This paved the way for new variations like Lowball poker where the lowest hand wins. By the turn of the 20th century, community card games like Texas Hold’em entered the scene, utilizing shared cards that all players could use.

Poker’s Rise in Popularity

While poker was popular before, its appeal grew immensely during the 20th century for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that television and media coverage exposed poker to a wider audience.

The 20th century also saw the appearance of different poker organizations that brought high stakes poker games and bracelet events into the public eye. As poker legends like Doyle Brunson, Johnny Moss, and Amarillo Slim became recognized names worldwide, interest in the game skyrocketed. Books teaching poker strategy also proliferated, improving the overall level of play.

The poker boom really took off in the early 2000s with the introduction of online poker. The accessibility and convenience of playing poker online led to an explosion in participation. Chris Moneymaker’s win in the Main Event after qualifying online further fueled the craze.

Poker in the Modern Era

Today, poker remains extremely popular worldwide both online and in casinos. While Texas Hold’em continues to dominate, mixed game variations like Omaha, Razz, and HORSE have also gained traction. The strategies and mathematics behind optimal poker play are constantly evolving thanks to computer simulation and analysis.

Poker has come far from its humble origins on riverboats. While the fundamentals remain the same, its prevalence across casinos and pop culture is a testament to poker’s lasting appeal. As poker continues to grow in the digital era with live-streamed games and mobile apps, it is clear this classic game has a promising future ahead.

The pace of online poker is rapid, driven by mouse clicks and computers, while live poker moves more slowly. This distinction impacts various aspects of the game.

Online poker offers a faster pace, with approximately 75 hands per hour on a 6-max table and approximately 62 hands per hour on a 9-max table. Fast-fold games like Zoom, Zone, or Snap push the limits further, reaching 200 to 250 hands per table hour.

In contrast, live poker operates at a more leisurely pace, with only 30 hands per hour due to factors like inexperienced players and slower dealers. This creates a unique dynamic requiring players to adapt their focus and patience compared to online play.

Nevertheless, the demand for both formats remains strong. Hence, many of the best casinos for Australian players compete to please players with the two varieties, alongside a diverse selection of table games and pokies for further enjoyment.

Image credit: Pokernews.com

Live games are less aggressive

The style of play varies between live games, but overall, live games tend to be looser and less aggressive before the flop. This might be because the slower pace of the game leads to players wanting to play more hands out of boredom.

Additionally, live poker players, mostly because the platform is newer, may not be as skilled as online players on average, many of whom tend to be enrolled in a poker training site.

When you play poker online, there are buttons that make it easy to choose bet sizes, like three times the big blind or half the pot. But in live games, these preset options aren’t available.

Many players in live games bet big when they have a good hand or want to bluff and bet small when they are weak or trying to trap their opponents.

This can give you information about their hands. You can take advantage of this by using different bet sizes to bluff or get more calls, which might not work as well online, where players react differently.

In live poker, you can get information about a player’s hand not only from their bet sizes but also from their overall betting patterns or physical gestures. Everything they do at the table gives away information, including their body language and what they say. You can even use your own body language and table talk to mislead your opponents or make them nervous.

Live poker costs more

Live poker has higher expenses with slower gameplay but offers softer games. On the other hand, online poker allows for multi-tabling and faster hands, resulting in more significant swings.

In live poker, the rake (the fee taken by the casino) is generally higher compared to online poker. While it can vary between venues and websites, live poker usually has a higher percentage and cap.

When choosing where to play, consider this rake and how it affects your winnings. If the games are easy and have other advantages, it might still be worth it despite the higher rake and slower pace.

Decoding the complex tapestry of human psychology. But how do psychology and poker intersect, and what role does this play in a casino environment like casino? Let’s delve into the captivating world of the psychology of poker.

The Power of Reading People

Reading opponents is one of the most powerful tools a poker player can master. By observing behavior, facial expressions, and body language, players can infer information about an opponent’s hand. This strategy is rooted in psychological principles known as “tells.” Tells are unconscious behaviors that reveal information about a player’s hand. They could be physical, such as a nervous tic, or verbal, like a change in the pace of speech.

However, experienced players understand this concept and can use it to their advantage by feigning tells to mislead their opponents. This psychological warfare is one of the reasons why poker is so complex and engaging.

Cognitive Biases in Poker

Our brains are wired with cognitive biases that can significantly influence our poker decisions. A few examples are:

Confirmation Bias: This is the tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs. In poker, a player may ignore signs that they’re holding a losing hand because they’ve convinced themselves they have the winning one.

Sunk Cost Fallacy: This refers to the decision to continue investing in a losing proposition because of the time or resources already committed. In poker, a player might continue betting on a weak hand because they’ve already invested so much in the pot.

Understanding and mitigating these biases can improve decision-making and give a poker player an edge over opponents.

Emotional Control and Tilt

Emotional control is crucial in poker. A player who lets their emotions dictate their play is likely to make poor decisions. This state of emotional frustration is known as “tilt.” When a player is on tilt, they are more likely to make reckless bets, ignore their strategies, and ultimately, lose more money.

Mastering emotional control involves recognizing the onset of tilt and developing strategies to manage it. It could be as simple as taking a break from the game or practicing mindfulness techniques.

Risk Assessment and Decision Making

At its core, poker is a game of decision-making under uncertainty. Each decision a player makes involves a degree of risk, from deciding to fold or hold, to betting or raising. This game facet? It connects directly to risk tolerance, a psychological notion, that shows striking variation among individuals.

You’ll find players who shy from risks, opting for a guarded game, while others chase risk, favoring a bold, more aggressive style. Understanding one’s risk tolerance and how it influences decision-making is key to developing a successful poker strategy.

The Bluff: Deception and Persuasion

Bluffing? A spellbinding poker element, deeply rooted in psychology. To bluff successfully? Convince your rivals that your hand trumps theirs. It’s a crafty dance of deception, necessitating a profound grasp of human dynamics and the prowess to twist perceived truths.

Psychological research in persuasion and influence provides insight into effective bluffing techniques. For example, players can use the principle of commitment and consistency by maintaining a consistent betting pattern to make their bluffs more believable.

In the end: The Mind’s Role in the Game

Understanding the psychology of poker can elevate a player’s game to new heights. It involves understanding and reading human behavior, recognizing and mitigating cognitive biases, mastering emotional control, assessing risk and making sound decisions, and utilizing deception and persuasion effectively. Poker? It’s no mere shuffle of cards. It transforms into a cerebral clash of minds. Poker matches the intricacy of the human psyche itself. For those bold enough to peek beyond the deck and delve into psychology’s depths? Truly captivating.

Whether it’s a friendly game at home, a local face-off, or a virtual round at casino, integrating knowledge of the human mind can shift the game’s tide. Remember, it’s not about the cards you hold; it’s the one you’re facing.

A disclaimer, though: the aim here isn’t to endorse dishonest play. It’s to enrich our understanding of our minds when immersed in a multifaceted endeavor like poker. Always gamble responsibly and remember that poker is, above all, a game to be enjoyed.

Poker Face Cards Today

Today, the face cards are the king, queen, and jack. They are sometimes called picture or court cards but no matter what you call them, one thing is for certain – they’re the most ornate cards in your deck. The current face cards come from 15th-century France, as part of the French suit system that gave us hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. To say they have become iconic is an understatement. Like the suit symbols and the ace, the king and queen cards are used to portray gambling.

Modern card games still use these instantly recognisable face cards. Even in online casinos, where they don’t always use real cards but digital ones, you’ll find the familiar face cards on the screen. The online casino industry is known for its variety of entertainment, where games can have different themes or offer changing promotions like those found at https://casino.betfair.com/promotions. As casino sites have become more prominent in recent years, they’ve stuck with the classic face cards and other popular imagery associated with gambling.

The Origin of Face Cards

Playing cards are thought to have come from China in the 1100s, reaching Europe in the 1300s through Egyptian Mamluk trade routes. They were hand-painted back then and ironically didn’t have faces, according to a partial set of Mamluk cards that depict a king, a deputy king, and an under-deputy set of cards. It’s unknown if they were for playing or decoration. As you may expect, the history of face cards intertwines with the history of tarot cards due to their decorative nature, explained more at https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions.

The so-called ‘kings and deputies’ cards were a far cry from the modern faces we have today. That comes from commoners’ cards which we know were used for playing in places that would become Germany and Switzerland. The deputies were replaced by marshals, the ‘ober’ marshal and ‘unter’ marshal in place of queen and jack. You can still find these today as part of German-suited playing cards, where the suits are hearts, acorns, leaves, and bells.

The Italians and Spanish changed the ‘ober’ and ‘unter’ marshals to a knight and a knave, which was a male servant in a royal court. If that sounds like a jack to you, that’s because it is now that the word knave has fallen out of common parlance. It was the French who replaced the knight with the queen, creating the combination we know today. French-suited cards became the world’s most popular card format, though you can still find German and Spanish decks in parts of Europe.

How Face Cards Became Double-Headed

One of the most distinct features of face cards is their double heads. While a standard playing card is reversible, the original artwork on face cards was not. When an ornate king was slammed down, some had to turn it around to see what they were looking at. Even worse, players could sometimes tell when a face card was in play. This was the case for a very long time – in fact, double-headed cards were one of the latest playing card innovations, not going mainstream until the 1850s.

One of the earliest examples comes from mathematician Girolamo Cardano, an avid gambler who used his math skills to introduce probability theory, detailed here at https://www.encyclopedia.com/science. He was among the first to recognise that face cards can and should be reversible too, so your opponents can see you win more clearly. The idea took off, not to mention it made face cards easier to make, though proved controversial. It was resisted in England for years and even today, some cards have a full-body portrait of its face cards instead of the mirror image we’ve come to expect.

What is Rake in Poker?

In its most basic form, the rake is a commission fee taken by the house or casino running the poker game. Think of it as a tip jar for the house; it’s their way of earning money for hosting the game. The rake is typically a percentage of the pot in each hand played, taken at the conclusion of the hand.

The Role of the House

In any poker game, the house doesn’t have a vested interest in who wins or loses. It’s like a stage where actors perform. The house’s primary role is to provide a regulated, fair environment for the game to take place, and for that, they take a rake in poker. This concept is not exclusive to poker; it is a common practice in many casino games.

Rake Explained with Examples

To better understand what a rake is, let’s use an analogy. Imagine you’re having a garage sale, and you invite a friend to sell their items alongside yours. As the organizer, you might take a small percentage of your friend’s earnings. That’s essentially what a rake in poker is.

If, for example, a hand’s pot is $100, and the casino’s rake is 5%, the casino would take $5 from that pot. The remaining $95 would then go to the winner of the hand. The specifics can vary based on the type of rake used, as we’ll discuss below.

To further clarify the concept of a rake in poker, let’s consider another example. Suppose you and a group of friends decide to organize a small concert. You find a venue, arrange for a sound system, and market the event. When the tickets are sold, you take a small percentage of the sales for your effort and the use of the venue. In the world of poker, you would be the ‘house,’ and your percentage would be the ‘rake’.

For instance, in a poker game where the final pot is $500, and the house has a set rake of 5%, the house would take $25 from that pot as the rake. The winner of the hand would then receive $475. Understanding how this works is vital for all poker players since it directly affects their potential winnings.

Types of Rake in Poker

Rake in poker is not one-size-fits-all. Different casinos, both physical and online, may use different types of rakes. Here are the three most common types:

Pot Rake

Pot rake, as the name suggests, is taken directly from the pot. In a game with a pot rake, the house will remove a percentage of the pot’s total after each hand. This is the most common type of rake in poker games.

Fixed Rake

In a fixed rake system, the house takes a fixed amount from the pot, regardless of its size. For example, the house could decide to take a rake of $1 from every pot, no matter if the pot is $10 or $100. This type of rake is less common and is usually used in lower-stakes games.

Time Rake

A time rake is charged on a per-time basis rather than per-hand. The house might charge each player a set fee every half-hour or hour of play. For instance, a player could be required to pay $5 every 30 minutes.

The Impact of Rake on the Game

Rake impacts the game of poker in two significant ways: it affects player profits and influences game strategy.

How Rake Affects Player Profits

Let’s look at an example to see how rake affects potential earnings. Imagine a poker game with ten players, each betting $10 per hand. If the house’s rake is 5%, it will take $5 from each $100 pot. Over 100 hands, the house would have collected $500 in rakes. This means that even if a player wins more hands than they lose, they might still end up losing money because of the rake.

Rake’s Influence on Game Strategy

As players gain experience and develop their poker strategy, they become more aware of the impact of rake on their earnings. A comprehensive poker strategy guide would suggest adjusting playing style based on the rake. For instance, with high rakes, players might choose to play fewer hands, focus on larger pots, or be more aggressive to compensate for the rake’s drain on their potential profits.

Tips to Minimize the Impact of Rake

Rake, while an integral part of poker, can impact your overall game strategy and profit. So how can you minimize its effect on your gameplay? Our poker strategy tips and advices suggest several ways:

• Selecting the Right Games: 

Different games have different rake structures. It’s essential to understand these structures and select games that offer the most favourable conditions. For instance, high-stakes games often have a cap on the rake, meaning that the house can’t take more than a certain amount, regardless of the pot’s size. This cap makes high-stakes games potentially more profitable in the long run.

• Understanding Rake Structures: 

A comprehensive poker strategy guide would stress the importance of understanding the rake structure of a game, as it can significantly improve your chances of coming out ahead. Always be aware of how much you’re paying in rake per hand, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

• Using Rakeback Offers: 

Many online poker platforms offer rakeback deals where a percentage of the rake a player has paid is returned to them. It’s a kind of reward for loyal or frequent players. Taking advantage of these offers can help offset the impact of the rake on your profits.

Conclusion

In the world of poker, understanding the rake is just as important as knowing when to hold and when to fold. Whether you’re playing in physical casinos or exploring online casinos, understanding how the house takes rake in poker, its impact and strategies to mitigate its effects can make a big difference to your overall poker experience. 

FAQs

What is a rake in poker?

A rake in poker is a commission fee taken by the casino or the house running the poker game, usually as a percentage of the pot in each hand played.

How does a rake affect a poker game?

The rake affects player profits as it’s a part of the pot that doesn’t go to the winner, and it can influence the strategy as players may adjust their gameplay to compensate for the rake’s impact.

What are the different types of rakes in poker?

The three main types of rakes in poker are pot rake, where a percentage is taken directly from the pot, fixed rake, where a fixed amount is taken regardless of the pot size, and time rake, charged per time unit.

How can players minimize the impact of rake?

Players can minimize the impact of rake by selecting games with favourable rake structures, understanding the rake structure of each game they play, and taking advantage of rakeback offers.

Are there any ways to avoid paying a rake in poker?

While the rake is a standard part of most organized poker games, some private or home games may not charge a rake. Online, players can utilize rakeback offers to offset some of the costs.

Understanding the Basics of Online Poker

Before diving into the more advanced aspects of online poker, it’s essential to grasp the basics. Online poker operates similarly to traditional poker, played with a standard 52-card deck, but from the comfort of your own home. Players bet on the strength of their card hand in multiple rounds of betting.

You will need to learn the various poker hand rankings, from the high-value ‘Royal Flush’ to a simple ‘High Card’. Additionally, online poker involves understanding the virtual interface, which includes features such as digital ‘buttons’ for betting, folding, and raising.

Importantly, online poker adds an extra layer of strategy, as you won’t be able to see your opponents physically, which affects how you interpret their moves. Whether you’re looking to play cash games or participate in tournaments, a solid foundation in these basics will significantly enhance your online poker experience.

Bankroll Management: The Key to Long-Term Success

One of the most overlooked aspects of online poker success is bankroll management. It’s the critical strategy that determines how you handle your funds allocated for poker. Successful bankroll management ensures that even when you hit a streak of bad luck, you can continue to play without exhausting your resources.

It involves setting specific rules about how much of your bankroll you’re willing to risk at any given time, which varies depending on whether you’re playing cash games or tournaments. Additionally, your playing style, skill level, and financial comfort zone also dictate these rules.

Remember, poker is a game of skill over the long run, but in the short term, variance can cause swings in your bankroll. By managing your bankroll effectively, you can weather these swings, keep your emotions in check, and remain in the game long enough to capitalize on your skills.

Casino Banking Methods

Traditional Payment Methods

Traditional payment methods remain a popular choice for online poker transactions due to their straightforward nature and wide acceptance across various platforms. They typically include credit and debit cards, wire transfers, and checks.

Credit and debit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, offer immediate deposits, allowing players to start playing quickly. However, some banks may block gambling-related transactions, so it’s essential to check with your bank beforehand. Wire transfers are another secure way to deposit or withdraw larger amounts, although they can take a few days to process.

Checks, on the other hand, are a slower option but can be ideal for those who prefer paper trails for their transactions. While these traditional payment methods are tried and tested, always ensure you’re using them on reputable platforms to safeguard your financial information.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are among the most widely used payment methods in online poker, recognized for their convenience, speed, and security. They provide an immediate way to deposit funds into your poker account, enabling you to start playing almost instantly. Major card providers such as Visa, MasterCard, and sometimes American Express are generally accepted by most online poker platforms.

Moreover, these methods also often allow for withdrawals, making them a versatile choice for players. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that some banks may prohibit gambling-related transactions on their cards. Therefore, it’s always advisable to check your bank’s policies first. As a safety measure, ensure that the online poker platform uses secure, encrypted connections for all transactions to protect your sensitive financial information.

Bank Transfers

Bank transfers, also known as wire transfers, are a traditional and reliable method of handling transactions with online poker platforms. This method involves transferring money directly from your bank account to the online casino’s account. While they might lack the immediacy of credit or debit card transactions, bank transfers are often preferred for large deposits and withdrawals due to their high security and increased limits.

Processing times can vary, generally taking a few business days, and may come with a small fee depending on your banking institution’s policies. It’s also crucial to check the online poker site’s policy on bank transfers, as some might only allow this method for withdrawals, not deposits. As with all banking methods, use these transfers on trusted, secure platforms to ensure your financial data remains safe.

E-wallets

E-wallets have become increasingly popular as a method for conducting transactions with online poker platforms due to their convenience, speed, and enhanced security features. E-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill allow you to store money in an online account that can easily be used to deposit or withdraw funds from online poker sites.

These services offer instant transactions, allowing you to start playing immediately after depositing. They also add an extra layer of security as they do not require you to disclose your bank account or card details to the online poker site.

Additionally, e-wallets often come with user-friendly interfaces and mobile applications, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer to play poker on their smartphones or tablets. Always ensure your chosen e-wallet is accepted by your online poker site to ensure smooth transactions.

About the Author Bart Crebolder

Bart is a passionate Online casino enthusiast with a keen interest in the world of online gambling and casino banking methods. With more than 10 years of experience in the field, Bart has dedicated their time to exploring and researching various aspects of the industry, including payment solutions, player experiences, and the latest trends. Through their informative articles and in-depth analysis, Bart Crebolder aims to provide valuable insights to readers, helping them make informed decisions when it comes to online casino banking.

Image source: Depositphotos.com

Legal Considerations for Online Poker in the US

Before you start with online poker in the US, it’s essential to understand the legal landscape to avoid any potential pitfalls. The legality of online poker can be complex, as it varies from state to state.

As of this publication, states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan, Delaware, and a couple others have legalized and regulated online poker. However, in other states, the legality may be ambiguous or outright banned. To ensure you are on the right side of the law, we recommend checking your state’s specific regulations or consulting with a legal expert before you start playing.

Additionally, federal laws such as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 also influence online poker play, making it illegal for banks to process transactions related to illegal online gambling. However, this law does not explicitly make it illegal for individuals to play online poker. So, a solid understanding of the legal landscape will keep your online poker experience enjoyable and compliant.

Choosing a Reputable Online Poker Site

Selecting a reputable online poker site is a crucial step in your journey to becoming an online poker player. There are several factors to consider to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. First, consider the site’s licensing and regulation. A reputable online poker site should be licensed by a recognized authority, such as the Nevada Gaming Commission or the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Second, check the site’s security measures.

Look for sites that use advanced encryption technologies to protect your personal and financial information. Third, consider the site’s game variety and the user interface’s quality. You’ll want a site that offers a wide range of poker games and has a user-friendly platform. Additionally, look for sites with positive player reviews and good customer service. Sites that are listed on the RTG casinos list USA are generally reliable options, as they use Real Time Gaming (RTG) software, known for its high-quality games and fair play.

Lastly, ensure the site offers methods for deposit and withdrawal that suit your needs. By taking these factors into account, you can find a trustworthy site that provides a great online poker experience.

RTG Casinos Where you can Only Play Poker Slots

While Real Time Gaming (RTG) is renowned for its diverse range of casino games, some players might be interested in platforms where they can focus solely on Poker Slots, a unique blend of poker and slot mechanics. These games can be a great way to enjoy poker-themed excitement without the need to delve deep into poker strategies.

RTG casinos that focus on Poker Slots offer various games, each with unique themes and bonus features. When choosing a casino, make sure it’s licensed and regulated for a safe and fair gaming experience. Review player feedback and consider the customer service quality the site offers. Also, take a look at the bonuses and promotions related to Poker Slots—these can provide additional value and fun to your gaming experience.

Remember, while these games don’t require a high level of poker skill, they still involve risk, and responsible gaming should always be your top priority. Finally, check if these casinos are included in the RTG casinos list USA, ensuring they cater to US players and comply with necessary regulations.

Navigating the Online Poker Interface

Navigating the online poker interface can seem a bit daunting at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be maneuvering it like a pro. Most online poker sites have similar layouts and user interfaces, designed to provide an intuitive and user-friendly experience. Typically, you’ll find a lobby where different game options are listed, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other poker variants.

Each game will usually indicate the buy-in amount, number of players, and table stakes. Once you’ve chosen a game, clicking on it will take you to the virtual poker table. Here, you’ll see your own virtual chips, the pot in the middle, and cards when they’re dealt. Controls for betting, folding, and checking will be clearly marked, usually at the bottom of the screen.

You might also find features for customizing the look and feel of the table, taking notes on opponents, or accessing hand histories. Most online poker sites also have help or tutorial sections, so don’t hesitate to use those if you’re unsure about any aspect of the interface.

Basic Online Poker Strategies and Tips

Mastering online poker involves understanding basic strategies and applying them effectively in your games. First, always remember the golden rule of poker: play in position. Being the last to act gives you a significant advantage as you get to see what everyone else does before you make your move. Second, start with a tight range of hands. Beginners often fall into the trap of playing too many hands.

Stick with strong hands like high pairs or high suited connectors to give yourself the best chance. Third, understand and utilize poker odds. This will help you decide when to call, fold, or raise based on the potential return versus the risk. Fourth, observe your opponents and take notes. Understand their betting patterns, their tells, and their tendencies to make informed decisions.

Lastly, maintain a calm and disciplined demeanor. Emotions can cloud judgment, leading to costly mistakes. Online poker is a game of skill and strategy over the long term; the more you practice, the more you learn and improve. And always remember, play responsibly and within your limits.