Texas Hold'em is a highly popular poker variation in casinos in Canada and around the globe. The variation of casino Hold'em, in which players only play against the dealer rather than all the surrounding players that are also going against the dealer, is a newer take on the game, but it has gained popularity and become a mainstay in casinos online.
While the basics of Hold'em remain the same across different variations, there are rules and strategies that players should be familiar with before jumping online to play with real cash. Here is the information you can gain by reading through this guide in its entirety:
Texas State Legislature recognizes Robstown, Texas as the birthplace of Texas Hold'em. While there are no details on exactly how the game came to be, Hold'em was first played in the 1900s as one of the many variations of poker. The live dealer version has recently made it to online casinos and has taken players by storm in the process.
Whether you like playing poker casually or are an experienced grinder, nothing can replicate the live dealer version of Hold'em at a casino online. The vast majority of poker players agree to the fact that this game was created to be played in a social setting, where people can actually see the dealer versus having to decode what a computer is thinking of feeling.
Playing a casino classic with a live dealer can seem a little intimidating at first, almost like a new game altogether. To make sure that's you've got a grasp on the basics before you start on your own real money live Hold'em adventure, be sure to read through the following step by step guide.
In casino online Live Dealer Hold'em, the dealer must have at least a pair of fours in order to qualify for the win. If the dealer does not qualify, the player will be paid one to one for the ante and the call unless the player has a qualifying higher hand, in which case the payout is typically as follows:
If the dealer's bet qualifies and ranks higher than the player's hand, the player loses the ante and the call bet. If the dealer's bet qualifies and is equivalent to the player's hand in rank, then a tie is called and all bets are pushed - no money is won or lost..
As an electrifying variation of the highly popular five card Texas Hold'em poker game, live dealer Hold'em provides a quality gaming experience through live streaming video. Whether you want to play on your desktop or mobile device you'll be able to find a compatible variation, most casinos let players choose their platform when playing. The utmost advantage of playing this version is true entertainment value. The quality of the game goes up tenfold once there is human interaction.
With real cards and real dealers, along with your ability to interact with fellow players and the dealer in real time, this is as close as you can get to being in a real casino without setting foot in one. In some versions of Hold'em, players are pitted against the dealer instead of each other. Therefore there is no set limit to how many players can take part in one game. This of course attracts a lot of attention as people can invest a relatively low amount and stand to gain much more.
For those still on the fence about whether they should make the move to this live dealer version of Hold'em, here's a brief comparison against the normal online version that you're more accustomed to.
The first and foremost advantage of playing live is that you have a dealer virtually in front of you. Every facial movement, every gesture, and their body language is open for you to see. You don't have to remain as far removed from the gameplay as you would be when playing the RNG-based version of the game. In addition, your fate lies in the hands of an actual person, the dealer or the players, instead of a computer generated algorithm. This brings a whole new level of enthusiasm to the game because it's a true battle between humans, rather than playing against an inanimate object. The one aspect that players should be aware of is that deal limits may typically be higher in live dealer Hold'em because there's an added cost for casinos online to run this type of game.
Playing the regular version of Texas Hold'em online certainly had its charm too, when a better option wasn't available. Game results are still based on Random Number Generator software, so players have a fair chance of landing a winning hand. In addition, playing this version of the game is considerably faster, so for those who are in a hurry to play a few rounds, this option can work well for them. Since there is no human dealer present and the players either can't see each other or are playing against other computer-based opponents, the level of interaction is considerably low when compared to the live dealer version of Hold'em. Therefore, numerous poker pros are switching over to the more stimulating variant of poker, which is live dealer Texas Hold'em.
Since Hold'em is all about what kind of hand you're able to present, it's needless to say that you have to know the hand rank breakdown very well. Here is the ranking of hands in poker from best to worst:
The most important thing a player has to do is make the correct decision on whether to play or fold after the flop is dealt. The player needs to consider the strength of their own current hand, the potential strength of their own hand after the river is dealt, and also the strength of the dealer's hand and its potential after all the community cards are dealt. It is very difficult to calculate these odds quickly and correctly, but players can follow a basic set of rules and end up winning over the long term.
Always call when you have any of the following: a pair or better, an Ace or King, a Queen or Jack (except when the board is showing cards of all the same suit that you do not hold in your hand), a flush draw or straight draw (meaning the player only needs one card to complete the hand), two cards higher than the cards on the board (over cards).
If the board is paired, players should always fold if they do not hold cards that match the board or if they have no cards over ten and they do not have a straight or flush draw. Players should also fold when they hold low unpaired cards that do not match the board without a straight or flush draw.
Among the largest benefits of playing online is that top-notch casinos are using real dealers for various games, this of course includes Hold'em. Whether you play it as a table game or in the traditional nine-handed mode, this game is naturally meant to be played in a live dealer setting. You just can't match the elation and delight when facing a live dealer from the comfort of your home, and of course, the prospect of making real money from it. You'll find most dealers to be highly hospitable, interactive, and even humorous at times.
We're confident that once you start playing the live dealer variation, you will love it so much that you won't go back to the traditional online version. If you are looking for the best Canadian casino online to play Hold'em, we've got you covered. We only recommend the most entertaining and reliable casinos online for you.
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