This is a general index of the poker rules available on this site. The poker rules for most poker games can be found here including rules for common poker games as well as poker rules for many lesser known poker games.
First, a word about poker in general. Poker is a game of odds. In a poker game there are a set number of cards being used and a certain number of players in the game at any specific time. The most successful poker players are the ones that are good at knowing where the odds stand when it is time for them to bet, and then adjusting the amount of their bet based on those odds. To do this well, you need to be familiar with poker hands, the fundamental poker odds of getting a particular poker hand, the mechanics of poker betting, and the particular rules of the poker game you are playing.
With this knowledge, advances in skill are largely a matter of practice. As in any sport or game of skill, the more you play the better you will get. You will develop your ability to understand the strength or weakness of your hand in a particular poker game at a particular point in time and adjust your betting accordingly. Relax, take your time, have fun.
Now, a further word about the rules of poker. Poker games generally revolve around three styles of rules. Community card poker games in which poker players share a common set of cards together with personal cards that they hold in their hand. Draw poker games in which players can exchange cards in their hand for new cards. Stud poker games in which players play the cards they are dealt. Many of the poker rule differences among the various poker games involve the number of cards dealt, the order and manner in which the cards are dealt, and the number or timing of the poker betting rounds. The following pages will take you through the specific rules for the various poker games.
A quick note about poker tournament rules. If you are playing in a poker tournament, it is very important that you are familiar with the basic rules of poker tournament play. They are not difficult, and although the rules may vary somewhat from tournament to tournament, the rules of poker tournament play are generally similar. Take a look at the poker tournament rules for the World Series of Poker (see World Series of Poker Rules) to become familiar with the basics, and then when you get ready to play in a poker tournament check to see if there are any unique rules for that particular poker tournament.
