Poker certainly isn't new, but it's recent popularity has made it the "it" card game these days. Because of this, online games have become exceeding popular. Online poker utilizes the same rules and regulations of a regular "table" game like you'd play in a casino, but with a whole lot more options. When you play online, the web site that hosts the game will not be a casino, so it isn't like "the house does" is going to win money - you are actually playing with other players from across the globe. The site hosting the poker game will simply a small number of the pot.

Playing online provides you with certain advantages or possibly a traditional poker game. One definite and obvious advantage is convenience. You don't have to travel all the way to a casino, in fact, you can even play in pajamas - convenience at its best! Just don't mention what your wearing to your online opponents (unless you are trying a psychological tactic). Other than the convenience aspect, transactions in online games are guaranteed safe casino by the web hosts of online poker games and they enlist top of the line security software to make sure the funds are not in danger. Cheating isn't really a concern either as the online game is not susceptible to your table opponents looking at your cards or using marked cards. So basically, an online poker game is a safe, cheat-free environment.

There are also various games and ways to play available on these types of sites...just a little something for everyone with online poker. You may play against a computer, or play against a real person (my favorite way) - whichever you are most confident with. And in the event you are not well versed in poker nevertheless, you almost always have the option to play free games in order that you can sharpen your talent. You also get a great variety of games like Texas Hold 'em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/LO, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, and 5 Card Draw. Variety in online poker can keep things fun, or permit you to find the game that you are most comfortable with.

In the early stages, I said playing online poker is as easy as 1, 2, 3, but didn't tell you exactly how. So here goes:

Look for an online poker site that you like - you will probably wind up trying out several - just stick with the big ones.
Download the site's software and activate it.
Start playing!