The Complete Guide to Playing Online Poker

Poker is considered the most popular table game in many parts of the world. The game's history has been traced to the 10th-century domino-card game played by the Chinese emperor. Over the years, poker has been reinvented, and there are now several variations of it. And with the inception of the internet, which ushered in the era of online gambling, it is now possible to play poker online from the comfort of your home.This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about poker and how the game works. You will learn about the common poker variations and basic poker rules. Besides, we will explain how you can find the best online poker sites and the different bonuses available to claim for the game. So for all that and more, keep reading.

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Table of Content

    The Best Vietnamese Online Poker Casinos

    If you are keen on playing online poker for real money, then you should play at the best poker sites. This way, you will enjoy a great gambling experience playing the game, and you may even be able to claim fantastic bonuses that will boost your bankroll. We've listed some of the best online poker casinos that have been duly vetted and tested by our experts.

    How to Find the Best Online Poker Casinos in Vietnam

    Playing casino games like poker should be fun. And as a top casino affiliate brand, we will stop at nothing to give you all the information you need to make the right choice. So instead of only listing out the best online poker casinos, we will explain some of the vital factors to consider in choosing a top poker site.

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    Step 1
    Security and Trust

    When choosing a poker site, check the casino's license to know if it operates legally. Also, consider how safe the casino site is, as top online gambling platforms use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to ensure players' details do not fall into the wrong hands. Similarly, take into account the poker site's reputation and only play at a trustworthy online casino.

    Step 2
    Games and Software

    There are many different kinds of poker, like Texas Hold'em, Stud Poker, and Omaha Poker. Before registering an account with a poker casino online, ensure that it has a decent selection of poker variants. Also, make sure that the games are from fair and trusted software developers in the iGaming industry, so you can enjoy the best experience.

    Step 3
    Bonuses and Promotions

    The best online poker casinos offer various bonuses and promotions that can boost players' bankrolls and allow them to place more bets. So before signing up with a poker site, take your time to check its promotions page to see all the current offers for poker. Besides that, consider the terms and conditions of these bonuses to know how feasible it is to win from them.

    Step 4
    Deposit and Withdrawal Options

    Before you can play at any poker site, you need to deposit money into your betting account. When you choose the best poker online casinos, the deposit and withdrawal processes will be easy, as these gambling platforms accept numerous payment methods. In addition, they have reasonable minimum and maximum transaction limits, and most do not charge players fees for processing payments.

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    Online Poker Basic Rules

    As mentioned earlier, online poker comes in different variations. Each of these variations has its own rules for how it is played and the moves players can make. However, despite the numerous types, most poker variants have the same basic poker rules. The game’s objective is usually to have the best poker rankings to win.

    Poker is a game played between a range of 2 and 14 players, depending on the variation. Players in each game round may place bets to fill the pot, and the poker player with the best hand wins the entire pot. However, it’s worth pointing out that there may be some variations of the game where two or more players may win and share the payout.

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    Poker Betting Options

    There are many betting options in poker. However, these options may vary from one variation to another. If you are considering playing this popular table game, you must understand how these betting options work and when to use them. The availability of these options may sometimes depend on the current situation at a poker table, but we will explain how they work below.

    Checking

    This is one of the betting options available to players in a poker game. If the betting round is not yet open, you will have the option to check. This is equivalent to betting zero, meaning you decline to place a bet but want to keep your cards and be at the table. However, you cannot check if a current bet is on the table.

    Betting

    Betting in poker is just as it sounds—you stake money in the game. This action involves moving poker chips on the table to get the game running, and each poker variation has its own specified minimum and maximum table stakes. The ante bet in some poker variants that gets the game round started is an example of a betting action.

    Raising

    This kind of poker bet can be made if there is already an initial bet on the table. It lets you increase the current table limit by betting above it. For instance, if the current betting amount on a Texas Hold’em game is $5, you can raise the amount to $10. If a player wishes to raise a bet, they usually need to bet twice the table’s current bet.

    Calling

    The call betting option is used in poker to match a bet or a raise. It simply means you are willing to bet the current amount on the table and keep the game going. For example, if a previous player raises the current table stakes in a poker game to $20, you can call to bet the same $20 and continue playing.

    Folding

    Folding is a poker betting option that you can use to discard your hand and forfeit a poker game round. It is used to signify that you are no longer interested in the pot, especially when you think you do not have a good hand compared to your opponents. You lose all the bets you’ve placed so far when you fold.

    Checking
    Betting
    Raising
    Calling
    Folding

    This is one of the betting options available to players in a poker game. If the betting round is not yet open, you will have the option to check. This is equivalent to betting zero, meaning you decline to place a bet but want to keep your cards and be at the table. However, you cannot check if a current bet is on the table.

    Betting in poker is just as it sounds—you stake money in the game. This action involves moving poker chips on the table to get the game running, and each poker variation has its own specified minimum and maximum table stakes. The ante bet in some poker variants that gets the game round started is an example of a betting action.

    This kind of poker bet can be made if there is already an initial bet on the table. It lets you increase the current table limit by betting above it. For instance, if the current betting amount on a Texas Hold’em game is $5, you can raise the amount to $10. If a player wishes to raise a bet, they usually need to bet twice the table’s current bet.

    The call betting option is used in poker to match a bet or a raise. It simply means you are willing to bet the current amount on the table and keep the game going. For example, if a previous player raises the current table stakes in a poker game to $20, you can call to bet the same $20 and continue playing.

    Folding is a poker betting option that you can use to discard your hand and forfeit a poker game round. It is used to signify that you are no longer interested in the pot, especially when you think you do not have a good hand compared to your opponents. You lose all the bets you’ve placed so far when you fold.

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    Poker Hand Rankings

    Hand rankings matter a lot in poker, and some other games, like video poker, also adopt the same rankings. The better your poker hand ranking is, the more likely it is that you will win the game. However, this does not mean players with the best poker hands cannot lose, as it all depends on your gaming strategy. Generally, there are 10 hand rankings that you need to know if you want to learn how to play poker, and we will explain them below.

    Royal Flush


    A royal flush or royal straight flush is the highest hand you can have in poker. It almost certainly guarantees a win unless your opponent also has a royal flush, which is highly unlikely in poker games. This hand features five consecutive cards of the same suit, starting from 10 to Ace.

    Straight Flush


    This is the second best hand in poker. A straight flush contains any five sequential cards of the same suit but not a royal flush, such as a hand with 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the same heart suit.

    Four of a Kind


    Four-of-a-kind is just as it sounds. It is a hand with the same card in all four different suits. An example is when you have a hand with all four aces (Spades, Clubs, Diamonds, and Hearts).

    Full House


    One of the strongest poker hand rankings is a full house. It is a hand that consists of the same value card in three different suits and a pair of the same rank. For example, if you have a hand with three Kings and two Aces, you have the best possible full house in poker.

    Flush


    A flush is a hand with five cards of the same suit in no particular rank or order, such as having five diamonds or clubs. However, it is worth pointing out that when two players have a flush, the player with the highest-value card wins.

    Straight


    A straight is a hand with five cards of sequential numbers and with two or more suits. For instance, having 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in different suits in a poker game is a straight hand. You should also be aware that Ace can count higher (above the King) or lower (below 2) to complete a straight.

    Three of a Kind


    Three-of-a-kind is a hand that consists of three cards of the same rank in three different suits. An example is when you have three Queens (Diamonds, Hearts, and Spades).

    Two Pairs


    Two pairs hand contains two sets of cards of a matching rank. The best two pairs are two aces and two kings. If two players have the same two pairs, the player with the highest last card wins. But this depends on the poker variation and poker rules of the game.

    Pair


    A pair is a poker hand that consists of two cards of the same rank. An example of a pair is two Queens, which can only lose to higher poker rankings or another higher pair, two Kings or two Aces, in this case.

    High Card

    This is the lowest hand ranking that you can have in a poker game. Any hand with card combinations we have not discussed so far is a high card. If two players have a high card, the player with the highest card value wins. In this case, the king of spades is the highest card and trumps other cards.

    • Royal Flush – Five consecutive cards of the same suit, starting from 10 to Ace
    • Straight Flush – Five sequential cards of the same suit but not a royal flush
    • Four of a Kind – Same card in all four different suits
    • Full House – Same value card in three different suits and a pair of the same rank
    • Flush – Five cards of the same suit
    • Straight – Five cards of sequential numbers of different suits
    • Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank
    • Two Pairs – Two sets of cards of a matching rank
    • Pair – Two cards of one rank
    • High Card – Any other combination

    Is It Safe to Play Poker Games Online in Vietnam?

    Contrary to what some people think, playing poker games online is pretty safe. To offer online casino games, the best poker sites team up with top-tier and well-known software providers. These providers have a team of experts who design their games after carefully considering the industry’s guidelines.

    Before an online trustworthy poker game is released, it passes through a series of tests. It is only when the game checks all the required boxes (including safety) that it is made available to play at online casinos. Top developers also work with independent audit laboratories like iTech Labs and eCOGRA to vet their games regularly and ensure there are no loopholes.

    Pros and Cons of Playing Poker Online for Real Money

    Before you start playing poker online, you should be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of the game. This way, you will know what to expect and can decide if it is the right game for you to play.

    Pros
    • You can win money when playing real money poker online
    • The betting limits are usually flexible
    • You can participate in several poker tournaments
    • Online poker can be played from the comfort of your home
    • You can play at your own pace, although there is usually a bet period
    Cons
    • It's impossible to read other players' tells
    • You can lose money playing real money online poker
    • Rogue casinos can steal your financial and personal details

    What Types of Poker Can I Play Online?

    There are numerous types of poker to choose from in the lobby of top online poker sites. While these poker games may share the same basic rules, they also have other betting rules you must understand to play them. Over the next few subsections, we will explain how some of the popular online poker types work.

    Texas Hold'em


    Texas Hold'em is a popular form of poker, and the game starts with two players to the immediate left of the dealer button placing the blind bets (small blind and big blind). The dealer then deals two cards face down to each player, called the hole cards. Play continues with the pre-flop round, where players are able to call the big blind bet, raise, or fold.

    After the pre-flop round, the dealer will reveal three community cards in the flop round, one card in the turn round, and another card in the river round. The last round is the showdown, where players have to reveal their cards to determine the winner of the pot. A good example of Texas Hold'em is the Poker Pro Viet Nam.

    Five-Card Draw


    This is a classic and popular online poker variant with the goal of creating the best possible hand from five cards. The game starts with players placing an ante bet according to the table limit. After that, the dealer will deal each player five cards, facing down. Play continues clockwise, with the player to the dealer's left checking or betting the pot. Other players take their turns to either check, call, raise, or fold.

    After the first betting round is complete, each player can discard three cards for new ones, and the second betting round starts. Players must then reveal their five cards to determine the winner.

    Omaha High/Low


    Omaha High/Low is a split pot variation of poker where you can win the high hand and the low hand. It is a similar poker variant to Texas Hold'em, but with some additional rules. The game starts with the small and big blind bets, after which the dealer will deal four cards to each player. After the first round of betting, the dealer reveals three community cards, the flop.

    The game proceeds to the turn and river, at which point five community cards are on the table. Players will then need to make their best five-card hand and worst five-card hand in the showdown round. The players with the best high and low hands win.

    Seven-Card Stud


    The gameplay in a Seven-Card Stud poker game begins with players placing an ante bet. The dealer will deal each player two face-down (hole) cards and a face-up card, and this round is called the Third Street. The player with the lowest face-up card is forced to start an action by placing another bet equal to or twice the ante bet. The remaining players will then continue to play using poker betting options. (call, raise, or fold)

    After that, the game moves to Fourth Street, Fifth Street, and Sixth Street, with a face-up card dealt to each player in each round. The seventh card will be dealt face down in river round. If more than one player remains, the game goes to a showdown, and the player with the best hand wins. However, if only one player remains, the remaining player wins.

    Razz


    Razz Poker is a poker game with a similar gameplay as Seven-Card Stud, but you play for low only. The dealing of cards is the same as with a Seven-Card Stud, but the player with the highest face-up card on Third Street is forced to start an action.

    The game continues to Fourth Street, Fifth Street, and Sixth Street. If more than one player remains, the game goes to the final round, the showdown. Here, the player with the best low-hand ranking wins.

    HORSE


    This is a poker variant where you play five different poker types in one game: Limit Hold'em, Omaha High/Low, Razz, Stud, and Stud High/Low. Due to the game's complexity, it is often referred to as the "Masters' Poker game."

    A typical horse game starts with the Limit Hold'em/Stud, then moves to the Omaha Hi/Lo round, Razz, Stud, and Stud Hi/Lo. To be a successful HORSE poker player, you must understand how to play all five poker types.

    Pai Gow


    Pai Gow is a bank game poker variation in which players compete against the dealer. You start by posting an ante bet, and the dealer will deal seven cards to you and himself. The game's goal is to form two hands from the cards, the best five-card and two-card hands. However, note that your two-card hand cannot be higher in value than your five-card hand.

    After you form your two hands, the dealer will also form two hands, a five-card hand and a two-card hand. The cards will then be compared. If you have the best two hands, you win. However, if the dealer has the best two hands, you lose. In a situation where the player and dealer have one best hand each, the game goes to a push.

    Caribbean Stud


    Caribbean Stud poker is another bank-based poker game. To play, you place an ante bet and the dealer will deal you five cards face down and deal himself five cards but with one of the cards face up. After checking your cards, you can continue playing by betting double the ante wager or fold.

    The dealer will check to see if he qualifies. He must have at least Ace-King high to qualify; otherwise, the game ends with you winning back your ante bet. If the dealer qualifies, his hand will be compared with yours, and whoever has the best hand based on poker rankings will win.
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    Play Poker for Real Money vs Free Poker

    There are some distinct differences between playing poker for real money and for free. When you choose a top poker site, you will be able to play poker for free and for real money. So it is essential that you understand the difference between both to know how they work.

    Real Money Poker VS Free Poker
    You need to place real money wager
    No real money wager is required
    You can win money in return
    You cannot win money
    Bonuses are available at real money poker sites
    Promos are not available in free poker
    There is the risk of losing money
    You cannot lose money
    Using real money poker to learn how to play opens you up to losing money
    You can learn how to play poker and use strategies
    Real Money Poker
    You need to place real money wager
    You can win money in return
    Bonuses are available at real money poker sites
    There is the risk of losing money
    Using real money poker to learn how to play opens you up to losing money
    VS
    Free Poker
    No real money wager is required
    You cannot win money
    Promos are not available in free poker
    You cannot lose money
    You can learn how to play poker and use strategies

    Best Winning Strategies in Online Poker

    Poker is a game of skill and luck, so you can use strategies to improve your chances of winning. But keep in mind that no strategy can guarantee you’ll win every time, so only bet with money you can afford to lose. Nevertheless, here are the best winning strategies in online poker.

    Choose Your Starting Hand Carefully

    It’s easy to get tempted to play every hand in an online poker game. However, you must avoid this temptation and know when to fold. When you get your starting hand, check if it is good enough to continue playing. If not, fold and wait another turn.

    Learn The Basic Math

    Poker is a math-based game, at least to some extent. For this reason, you should learn basic math to understand the probability of the occurrence of a card being dealt from a deck. This will help you make a better decision on how to play your hand, thus improving your winning chances in return.

    Adopt Different Styles of Play

    Always try to mix things up when playing poker online, as this will make you less predictable. Learn how to play aggressively when there is a need for it, as well as how to play tight, loose, passive, and slow. The idea should be to not make it easy for your opponent to read your tells and win.

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    Bonuses at the Best Poker Sites

    The best online casinos that feature poker games offer incredible bonuses and promotions. These bonuses can boost your bankroll and let you play more real-money poker games. In the next few sections, we’ll talk about the most common bonuses you can get at the best poker sites.

    Welcome Bonuses

    Also called sign-up bonuses, welcome bonuses are casino offers that are exclusive to new players when they sign up with a poker site. The bonus is a way for poker online casinos to welcome new players and help them get started with their gambling experience. A poker welcome bonus can be offered as free betting chips or a first deposit bonus as a percentage of the deposit.

    Reload Bonuses

    A reload bonus is a promotional offer available at many top poker sites. Here, a poker casino site will match the amount you deposit by a percentage and offer it as a bonus. For example, you can get a 100% reload bonus of up to $50 at some poker sites to use on your favorite poker games.

    No Deposit Bonuses

    These are poker bonuses that you can claim without any deposit requirements. The bonus is offered for free, and it often comes as free betting chips that you can wager on poker games. However, it is worth pointing out that no-deposit poker bonuses are not as common as deposit bonuses.

    Loyalty Bonuses

    Some top poker sites have loyalty or VIP programs where players can enjoy special and exclusive perks for their loyalty. For instance, you may earn comp points for every real-money poker game played. These points can be accumulated and exchanged for bonus money. Some poker sites may offer players dedicated account managers, free entries into poker tournaments, invitations to live poker events, and so on.

    Welcome Bonuses
    Reload Bonuses
    No Deposit Bonuses
    Loyalty Bonuses

    Also called sign-up bonuses, welcome bonuses are casino offers that are exclusive to new players when they sign up with a poker site. The bonus is a way for poker online casinos to welcome new players and help them get started with their gambling experience. A poker welcome bonus can be offered as free betting chips or a first deposit bonus as a percentage of the deposit.

    A reload bonus is a promotional offer available at many top poker sites. Here, a poker casino site will match the amount you deposit by a percentage and offer it as a bonus. For example, you can get a 100% reload bonus of up to $50 at some poker sites to use on your favorite poker games.

    These are poker bonuses that you can claim without any deposit requirements. The bonus is offered for free, and it often comes as free betting chips that you can wager on poker games. However, it is worth pointing out that no-deposit poker bonuses are not as common as deposit bonuses.

    Some top poker sites have loyalty or VIP programs where players can enjoy special and exclusive perks for their loyalty. For instance, you may earn comp points for every real-money poker game played. These points can be accumulated and exchanged for bonus money. Some poker sites may offer players dedicated account managers, free entries into poker tournaments, invitations to live poker events, and so on.

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    Playing Poker in Mobile Casinos

    Advancements in mobile technology have made it possible for players to play poker on their smartphones and tablets. Playing poker at mobile casinos offers more comfort. You can play on the go, whether on a bus or moving train, and you will not be restricted to a desktop computer screen. Some mobile poker casinos even have native apps for Android and iOS that poker players can download to get the full mobile gambling experience.

    Poker Terms Glossary

    There are several terminologies you may come across in poker games. And if you want to play poker, you need to be familiar with a few terms. We’ve highlighted some common poker terms and their meanings below.

    • Active Players – Refers to players still in a pot
    • Ante Bet – The opening round bet of a poker game
    • All-In – Betting all your chips in a poker round
    • Big Blind – The larger of the two forced bets in poker
    • Bluff – Betting with a hand that is mathematically not the best
    • Burn Card – A card discarded by the dealer before revealing community cards
    • Call – Used to match a bet
    • Chips – It represents the money wagered in a poker game
    • Dealer – The individual dealing the card
    • Pot – The current total wager in a poker game
    • Small Blind – The lesser of the two forced bets in poker

    Online Poker Conclusion

    We’ve discussed everything you should know about online poker in this guide. It is a fun table game to play online, and you may be lucky to win big playing for real money. Remember, online poker has many variants like Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Five-Card Stud, HORSE, and so on. While these variants have specific rules, the main objective is similar, to form the best poker hand rankings to win.

    If you want to have the best time playing poker online, you should choose a top site that has been licensed by a reputable organisation. If you play at our recommended poker sites, you can enjoy better bonuses, and faster withdrawals.

    FAQs

    Are Poker Casinos Trustworthy?

    Yes. Top poker sites can be trusted because they have a valid license from a well-known governing body. They also partner with the best software providers to feature poker games.

    How Do I Get Bonuses at Online Casinos?

    It depends on the type of bonus. But regardless, you must create an account with a poker site that offers bonuses. If it's a deposit bonus, you have to make the qualifying deposit to claim it.

    What Are the Best Online Poker Sites?

    You can find the best online poker site on this page. These are gambling platforms fully vetted by experts that possess valid licenses from the strictest regulatory bodies.

    Can I Play a Poker Game for Free?

    Yes. You can play poker for free online at some casino sites. However, note that you can't win any money playing free poker.

    Is Online Poker Rigged?

    If you play at a legitimate poker site, you won't fall victim to rigged poker games. This is because top online casinos work with independent audit firms to audit their poker games regularly.

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