YOU ARE ON THE STAGING ENVIRONMENT

Online Poker Guides 2025

Chris Imperiale

Written by: Chris Imperiale

Last Updated:

Read Time: 5 minutes

Welcome to the Betting News online poker hub. Here, you’ll find everything you’ll need to know about online poker and how to get started playing.

This hub is essential for brand new online poker players, and could prove to be extremely useful for those who just need a refresher. 

Online poker is one of the most exciting—and accessible—ways to dive into the world of online gaming and competition. Whether you’ve heard of Texas Hold’em or are curious about other popular games like Omaha or Seven-Card Stud, this overview is designed to help you start from scratch and build your confidence at the virtual tables. 

We’ll break down the rules, explain the strategies, and guide you through the essentials of playing smart and staying safe online. No unnecessary jargon or pressure—just clear, beginner-friendly advice to help you enjoy the game and grow your skills. 

Once you feel like you’re ready to play, take a look at Betting News’ best online poker sites available in the U.S. based on our experts’ opinions.

If you’re ready to learn, we’re ready to deal. Let’s get started!

Essentials to Know About Online Poker

1. Understand the Rules of the Game

  • Start with Texas Hold’em—the most popular variant.
  • Learn the hand rankings (e.g., flush beats a straight – see below).
  • Explore other games like Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, or Razz once you’re comfortable.

2. Choose a Reputable Poker Site

  • Look for sites that are licensed and secure.
  • Check for beginner-friendly tables and free play options.
  • Read reviews to understand software quality, game variety, and payout reliability.

3. Start with Low Stakes or Free Play

  • Practice with free games or micro-stakes to learn without risking much.
  • Build your confidence and get used to the pace of online play.

4. Know the Online Poker Lingo

  • Learn terms like blinds, flop, turn, river, all-in, and fold.
  • Understanding the language helps you follow the game and avoid mistakes.

5. Pay Attention to Table Etiquette

  • Be polite, don’t slow the game down, and avoid trash talk.
  • Follow site rules and don’t use multiple accounts (a form of cheating).

6. Practice Good Bankroll Management

  • Set a budget for your poker play and stick to it.
  • Don’t chase losses—only play with what you can afford to lose.

7. Position Matters

  • Where you sit at the table (early, middle, or late position) affects how you play your hand.
  • Beginners often overlook this, but it’s a huge part of poker strategy.

8. Use Basic Strategy and Avoid Tilt

  • Don’t play every hand—patience is key.
  • Avoid emotional decision-making (a.k.a. “tilt”) after a bad beat.

9. Watch and Learn from Others

  • Use Twitch, YouTube, or poker forums to watch experienced players.
  • Pay attention to how they make decisions, not just what cards they have.

10. Play Legally and Responsibly

  • Make sure online poker is legal in your area.
  • Know the risks of problem gambling and where to find support if needed.

Getting Started Playing Online Poker

Betting News supplies several additional guides that will help new poker players. Here, you’ll find specific information regarding how to get started playing poker online, along with a breakdown of available online gaming options. We even offer a guide on how to avoid making common mistakes for a beginner. 

After reading these, you should be ready to play poker online at any of the popular platforms available in the U.S. These include the following:

How to start playing poker online

Everything you need to know about playing your first hands of online poker.

Getting Started Playing Online Poker

Most popular poker games online

Take a deeper dive into the available online poker gaming options, like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Five Card Draw, and more.

Beginner’s Guide for the Most Popular Online Poker Games

Most common mistakes for new online poker players

Avoid costly beginner mistakes by reading this guide:

How to Avoid Common Online Poker Mistakes

Learn the Poker Hand Rankings

One of the main components of poker is understanding the rules and when you have a strong hand. Thus, it’s crucial to know the exact hand rankings from high to low:

Royal Flush

The most prestigious hand in poker, a Royal Flush consists of five cards of the same suit in sequence from 10 through Ace (10-J-Q-K-A).

Straight Flush

A Straight Flush contains five cards of the same suit in consecutive order, but not including the specific sequence required for a Royal Flush.

Four of a Kind

Also known as “quads,” Four of a Kind consists of all four cards of the same rank accompanied by any fifth card (known as the “kicker”).

Full House

A Full House combines Three of a Kind with a Pair, such as Q♠-Q♥-Q♣-7♦-7♠. When comparing Full Houses, the rank of the Three of a Kind portion determines the winner.

Flush

A Flush consists of any five cards of the same suit, not necessarily in sequence, such as A♥-J♥-8♥-6♥-2♥. When multiple players hold Flushes, the highest card determines the winner.

Straight

A Straight contains five cards in sequential order, regardless of suit, such as 9♣-8♦-7♠-6♥-5♣.

Three of a Kind

Also called “trips” or a “set,” Three of a Kind consists of three cards of the same rank plus two unmatched cards, such as K♠-K♥-K♣-9♦-2♠.

Two Pair

Two Pair consists of two different pairs of cards plus one unmatched card, such as J♠-J♥-8♣-8♦-A♠. When comparing Two Pair hands, the higher-ranked pair wins.

One Pair

poker hand one pair

One Pair consists of two cards of the same rank plus three unmatched cards, such as 10♠-10♥-K♣-8♦-2♠. When comparing One Pair hands, the higher-ranked pair wins.

High Card

When no player makes any of the above hands, the highest card wins. These hands are described by their highest card, such as “Ace-high” or “King-high.” When comparing High Card hands, the highest card wins.

Although the specific rules for different types of poker games vary, these rankings apply to the majority of poker variants. Read a more in-depth breakdown about a few popular types of poker here, along with a page dedicated to different strategies based on your starting hand: