When it comes to table games and casino titles, poker is arguably the most iconic out of all the different ones out there. Although the classic card-based title has been a staple since its inception, the live poker games that have sprung up across most online casinos today have propelled the title to new heights in terms of overall popularity. With these real-time variants embodying all the defining elements of the game and pairing them up with live dealers and more interactive gameplay, live poker can offer a refined blend of authenticity and strategy, with there being a series of releases right here at BoyleSports Games.
Before we actually get into any of the intricacies surrounding live poker, we must first understand what it is exactly. These are online versions of the popular poker card games; however, instead of playing against random computer algorithms like many other digitised versions, players instead face off against actual opponents and dealers in real-time. These live casino games take place within casino-style studios, with actual tables, real cards and card shoes that help to create an authentic experience.
Although live poker now comes hand in hand with many casino sites today, it is still a little more complex compared to other table games such as live blackjack and live roulette for example. This is generally down to the various rules and betting options that this game involves, with different variations deviating slightly from their own rulesets.
The overall objective of live poker is to try and make the best possible hand with the cards dealt to you by the dealer alongside the community cards, which are shared amongst all players. Each game begins with a betting round, with players placing their initial bets after receiving their two initial hole cards. This is referred to as the pre-flop, with the flop following the three community cards being dealt. After another round of betting, a fourth community card is dealt, with this being referred to as the turn. The river is when the fifth and final community card hits the table, with a final betting round playing out after this. Once all bets have been placed, players reveal their hands, with the best hand winning whatever stakes currently make up the pot.
Players have a number of betting options to choose from when playing live poker. Folding refers to giving up your hand of cards, and by doing this, you forfeit the round. If no bets have been made, players can check, essentially passing on the action to the next player at the table. A check is not possible; however, if a player chooses to raise, this is an increase in the current bet. If a player matches the raised bet, this is referred to as a call, with these 4 options being key terminology to understand if playing live poker.
As we previously mentioned, the player must have the best hand in live poker in order to win a round. As a result of this, being aware of all the differing hand rankings and their strength compared to one another is key. Each hand incorporates a group of cards with numerical, colour or suit-related similarities, with the following hands being ranked from the weakest to the strongest:
High Card: This is the lowest ranked live poker hand, with this using the highest valued card in your hand if no others can be made.
One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
Two Pair: Two sets of matching cards.
Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
Straight: Five cards in consecutive order.
Flush: Five cards not in sequence but of the same suit.
Full House: A hand of 5 cards comprising three of a kind and a pair.
Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same range.
Straight Flush: Five cards of the same suit in consecutive order.
Royal Flush: This is the highest ranked live poker hand, with this consisting of a 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace, all of the same suit.
Although live poker generally follows the same rules, there are still a series of versions which implement their own creative nuances and gameplay deviations. One of these is Casino Hold'em, which pits players against a dealer as opposed to other players around the table. This game also features additional side bets, which often relate to the two initial cards the player is first dealt, with the live dealer being able to interact with them thanks to the inclusion of live chat features.
When it comes to Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Video Poker, this takes inspiration from the iconic TV show which has also spawned a whole series of alternative live game shows. This adds its own unique twist, which could potentially see players move up a progressive jackpot ladder with each consecutive win a player may have against a dealer. At the top of this, there is a jackpot value, with the whole studio in which this live poker game is directly streamed from a set resembling a TV show-style stage.
One of the best live poker games that utilises a 3 card poker format is the aptly named 3 Card Brag. Here, players initially receive 3 hole cards as opposed to the conventional 2, with them then deciding whether or not to bet against the hand of the dealer. This is one of the live poker games that actually utilises different hand rankings, too, with 3 of a kind actually being the strongest in this variant.
No matter the live poker game at BoyleSports, though, all of these have one thing in common, regardless of their slight differences. Each of these brings the highest quality of video streaming directly to all forms of devices, with the classic card-based gameplay being captured authentically thanks to the real dealers who dish out the hole and community cards, as well as the interactive betting options which these games heavily incorporate. It's not just the titles we have mentioned housed on-site; there are a series of others that also embody the same qualities, with there even being some casino bonuses which could potentially be used on these games.
