Coming online to play poker requires that the player first becomes familiar with the different types of poker available at a typical site. This will enable the player to make an informed decision about what type of poker to try first and how to advance in future gaming sessions.

Ring Games
Ring games are the most basic form of online poker playing and are usually what players are most familiar with from live poker gaming. Also known as live games, ring games essentially allow any player to join a single table, purchase chips, play a game of poker against other players around the table and then cash out at any stage. Games such as Texas Hold ‘em and Omaha are usually played in ring game form.

Players are encouraged to start off their poker careers with simple ring games in order to familiarize themselves with the game and its rules.

Tournaments
The main difference between ring games and poker tournaments is the ability of the player to stand up from the table and cash out whenever he feels like it. This cannot be done during a tournament.

Tournaments are traditionally divided into single table or multi table events. In addition, poker tournaments are also divided into scheduled or sit and go events. Schedules are usually posted on the poker site for players to sign up.

Once players are familiar with ring game poker, they should shift to free roll poker tournaments to get a feel for the tournament format, without undue risk to the bankrolls.

Free Play
One of the greatest benefits of online poker is the fact that the player is offered the chance to play the game absolutely for free. This is obviously not an option available at land based poker rooms, and can go a long way in getting the player familiar with the game, rules and software, without risking a cent of their bankroll.

To take advantage of free play poker, players need to register with the site and open an account. This is a quick and simple process that involves providing personal details and choosing a poker name and password. Once the player has an account, he can head off for the free chip tables and play any type of game at the site with virtual money credited to his account. Once this money runs out, the player can request a top up, although most sites – at one stage or another – will limit free play sessions.

Real Money Play
Once players have practiced enough through the free play offer at an online poker site, they will want to move on to real money play. To do so, they will need to fund their poker accounts with a banking method of their choice and keep it topped up with real money if they want to continue playing. Many players are under the impression that playing poker for real money involves wagering hundreds of dollars at a time. They will be pleasantly surprised to learn, however, that some tournaments have buy in rates beginning at a mere $1, while ring games can be played for as little as a few cents.

(You can’t get a more basic question!)

The History of Poker

The game of poker has been in existence in some form or another since cards were used as an entertainment from the Middle Ages. Poker as we know it today was played out in a simplified version during the Wild West years of the United States and increased in popularity until it grew to one of the most sought-after skilled card games in the world. Today, the game is played in poker halls, casinos and clubs in practically every country around the globe in ring or tournament format.

The Rise of Online Poker

When online gambling hit the internet in the middle of the 1990’s, it was only natural that the game of poker would also find its way online. The first poker software was cumbersome and complicated, but it didn’t take long for gambling operators to realize the huge potential in the game and further platforms became more user- friendly, graphically advanced and full of exciting features. Today, it is quite possible to enjoy a game of poker online, with the look and feel of true Vegas poker room, from your own computer.

The difference between Live poker and Online Poker

While poker played in terrestrial poker rooms is still enormously popular today, there is no denying that the popularity of online poker is advancing at an amazing pace. There are several reasons for this phenomenon:

• Convenience: It is quite possible to play a game of online poker from practically anywhere in the world, as long as you have internet access. To play online poker, you are not restricted by the opening and closing hours of the poker room, nor do you have to travel endless miles and hours, wasting precious fuel and money in order to get to your poker destination. At the click of a mouse, you are transported to a world of poker that is rich in games and features.
• Variety: Walk into any land based poker room and you may be presented with a couple of poker variants to choose from. Access an online poker room, however, and you will be astounded by the vast range of games and playing variations that available right at your fingertips. Good online poker sites offer their players games ranging from the most common games such as Texas Hold ‘em to the more unique ones like Razz. Games are available in ring or tournament format, at every different skill level and at any stakes. There is literally something for everyone in the online poker industry – and all this from the comfort of your own home.
• Bonuses: Due to the tough competition in the online poker world, one of the best advantages of playing online is the fact that you can enjoy lucrative perks in the form of bonuses. Good sites will offer you excellent welcome bonuses for signing up at their sites, while others will reward you with loyalty bonuses, high roller bonuses and others.
• Customizable: Whether you’re brand new to poker and only want to play for fun until you’ve built up the confidence to play for real money, or whether you’re a seasoned player with a fat bankroll, online poker can be tailored for the kind of gaming experience that works for YOU. And the beauty of it is that when you’re ready for a change of pace, skill level or stakes, you can go about doing so within seconds.

Final word

It goes without saying that online poker has made a real impact of the game as we know it, bringing it into the homes of millions of players each year and feeding popular live tournaments. If the current state of the online poker industry is anything to go by, the future of this form of entertainment looks very promising indeed.