Tag: poker

Since 2006, Filipinos have continued to love poker apart from the usual money games like sabong and such.

Although it saw a decline during the pre-pandemic, it boomed once again amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This time around, players adored online poker, especially with everyone stuck at their homes.

Poker’s popularity continues to rise, especially with more relaxed restrictions, and the threat of Covid-19 is no longer that severe. The game, including all its variants, is gaining more and more players by the day.

A Timeline of Poker’s Rise to Popularity

According to Poker Philippines, the game’s prevalence originated in 2006 when one poker room at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s Airport Casino offered a Texas Hold’em, a poker variant. 

It was the largest local poker room in the country, the Metro Card Club, that opened its doors to the public. Other poker rooms followed suit.

In 2007, a local circuit called Filipino Poker Tour was launched by PokerStars. It was such a successful event that an Asia Pacific Poker Tour was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel & Casino in Manila in August of that year.

The Asian Poker Tour followed in 2008, extending its satellite events to the Philippines, thus capitalizing on the country as a poker destination.

Due to its constant growth in popularity, a media group under the name of Somuchpoker, was launched in 2014. It aimed to give the players a voice by conducting interviews.

Live poker’s popularity, on the other hand, began in the post-pandemic. As people are stuck at home, game rooms compete amongst each other, which would attract the most number of players. They do it through creative themes and, of course, big prizes.

Filipinos Love Poker…and Casino

The Philippine gambling industry continues to see revenue growth, pointing out that Filipinos love to gamble. In March 2023, the gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached new heights, recording a whopping P214 billion (P113.09 billion in 2021).

In a breakdown reported by PhilStar, casinos were the main contributor to this GGR. Although Bingo and other electronic games share P20.12 billion, poker plays also contributed, posting a P59.88 million revenue.

Based on the research made by Daily Tribune, there are six reasons why Pinoys love poker.

Convenient

Poker is already inherently popular worldwide. Data showed that there are more than 100 million players all over the globe.

But how, you asked?

It is because poker switched to online. Regulated online casinos like OKBET offer poker and its variants to players, making it convenient for Filipinos to play the game exactly how they are played.

But while there is an advantage to playing online poker, it also has its downs. Since the game is on the website, the thrill of playing at a poker table is gone.

Regardless, poker players continue to support its online version, especially since they are still going up against real people.

Accessible

Unlike illegal and other casino games, poker is a pervasive legal game that offers relaxed regulations. Because of its legality worldwide, it has become even more accessible to people than other games of chance.

It’s all about the Skills

Most casino games involve luck. But poker is a matter of skills and how you deal with the given hand.

Filipinos are all about skills, and that is why they love poker. Yes, it sometimes involves a little from Lady Luck, but poker skills will be superior to sheer luck in the long run.

Look at professional poker players. They rely not on luck but on math and odds. To win in poker games, investing in poker books and applying those techniques can give you an edge.

The Nature of Poker

Filipinos love poker because of how competitive it can be. Forget about slots; there is no competition there. But in poker, you will meet far better people than you. 

In essence, it is good, for it creates a shroud of competitiveness among players. It drives people to win even more because they face good opponents.

Winning money is not the reason why many invest in poker. Partly, yes. But it is because of how competitive the game can get.

A Game You can Socialize

Due to the game becoming extremely popular, it turned into a social activity. Paired with poker’s competitive nature, the casino game can quickly turn from a game between friends to a serious tournament.

Compared to other games like blackjack, the only interaction a player can get will be between him and the dealer. But in poker, there will be other players joining the table.

It’s Part of the Culture

Lastly, Filipinos have fallen in love with poker because it has been part of our culture. Remember the phrase “poker face?” It came from the game! Terms like “folded” and even phrases such as “wild card” all came from poker.

If we sum up these reasons, it clearly puts a definitive explanation as to why Filipinos love poker.

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If you want to get better at poker, experience alone will not help you, but also reading the perfect books to teach you about strategies and principles of the card game.

So for this OKBET blog, we have searched high and low to give you the titles of the best books that will help you become the next big thing in poker. Your odds of winning in every round increase by learning several tricks and understanding its principles.

Without further ado, here are six of the perfect poker books to help you get better at the game:

Modern Poker Theory: Building an unbeatable strategy based on GTO principles

By Michael Acevedo

Written by Michael Acevedo, this book gives you a comprehensive and concise guide to the vital elements of No Limit Hold’em. The book is effective material for any poker player, which is why it is one of the best-selling books for poker.

But why would you trust Acevedo, you ask? Simply because he is a mathematician, professional tournament player, and coach. He is also a world-leading poker theorist and a certified game expert. 

Moreover, his book uses modern poker tools to “develop a systematic approach to the analysis” of game theory optimal play (GTO. It also teaches its readers the ideas and concepts in an “organized manner” that can be useful for practical applications, particularly in card games.

By reading and understanding Modern Theory, the most advanced poker information will be at your fingertips.

Apart from Modern Poker Theory, Acevedo also wrote Steam Shack, Tales of the Mech Band, and Modern Poker Theory: The Tournament Workbook.

The Theory of Poker: A Professional Poker Player Teaches You How To Think Like One

By David Sklansky

The Theory of Poker discusses the theories and concepts useful in almost every poker game variation. It can be applied to the five-card draw, seven-card stud, hold ’em, lowball draw, and even razz (seven-card lowball stud).

Furthermore, it teaches its readers the importance of deception, bluffing, raising, and slow play. Also, the book recognizes how valuable it is that players know their position and use psychological tactics, free cards, and semi-bluffing. This is one of the most comprehensive poker books in the market, given that it also contains heads-up plays, game theories, and implied odds.

David Sklansky, an American professional poker player, wrote the Theory of Poker. His play style is purely mathematical.

Goodreads even described the book of Sklansky as the “best book ever written on poker.”

The Mental Game of Poker

By Barry Carter and Jared Tendler

Are you tired of losing over and over again in poker? Then try reading Carter and Tendler’s The Mental Game of Poker.

The book is the one-stop solution to the problems of poker players: their mentality. The Mental Game of Poker is worth the read, for it teaches instructions and reveals proven techniques to improve tilt, handling variance, emotional control, confidence, fear, and a player’s motivation.

According to Poker Strategy, the book is one of the most critically-acclaimed poker books and has influenced players like Lex Veldhuis, Ben Tollerene, and 2012 Main Event Champion Greg Merson.

Doyle Brunson’s Super System 2

By Doyle Brunson

This is the continuation of Brunson’s Super System 1, where he compiled all the necessary information relayed by the greatest players, theorists, and world champions. This is a great book for poker, especially since the two-time main event champion and 10-time World Series Poker (WSOP)  winner wrote it.

Furthermore, if you have read the first edition of the Super System, prepare to learn even more since the second edition includes tips and secrets from Phil Hellmuth Jr, Daniel Negreanu, Johnny Chan, Lyle Berman, and Bobby Baldwin. It also includes Jennifer Harman, the best female poker player in history; Todd Brunson, a superstar cash-game player; and Mike Caro, poker’s greatest researcher, theorist, and instructor.

The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King

By Michael Craig

This is the best non-fiction book narrating the largest poker game in history. It is about Any Beal, a nobody in poker who has nerves of steel after challenging the world’s greatest poker players. Some of his opponents were Doyle Brunson, Chip Reese, Howard Lederer, and Jennifer Harman. Moreover, it has the highest bid amounting to over $20 million. No further explanation is needed in this book, or we will spoil it. Better grab the book and see for yourself. 

One of a Kind: The Rise and Fall of Stuey ‘The Kid’ Ungar

By Nolan Dalla and Peter Alson

This is another true-to-life story about the greatest card player of all time, Stu Ungar. Before becoming who he was, his matches were backed by the New York Mob. Upon moving to Las Vegas, he proved that he could win it all without the influence of a gang. Ungar won the WSOP three times in a row, thanks to his prodigy-level IQ and total recall abilities.

Unfortunately, he succumbed to his death in 1998 due to drug addiction. The book by Dalla and Alson is the only legitimate biography of the poker legend. It would surely inspire poker players and warn them of the consequences of gambling addiction paired with fame and fortune.

Conclusion

Books are made for a reason: to impart knowledge. If you want to be a good poker player, then you should get your hands on one of these perfect books and practice at the best local online casino, OKBET.

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A fundamental poker-hand rankings system underpins all game variations, classifying the relative power of different types of poker hands so that gamers may pick the best hand. Whether you play live at a casino or in a card room, you may play at home using an app like OKBET App.

We play various poker games at Poker Hands, some of which have variable hand rankings. The classic ‘high’ poker ranks using Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and Five Card Draw. Omaha Razz, Stud, and Hi/Lo For soft hands, Hi/Lo uses low-hand rankings for ‘Ace to Five’ (‘California’). For soft hands, the ‘Deuce to Seven’ (‘Kansas City’) lowball rankings using in 2-7 Single Draw and 2-7 Triple Draw.

Rankings of Poker Hands, from Most Excellent to Weakest

A hand poker consists of 5 cards that belong to one of several types. To begin constructing winning poker hands, you must first understand the ideal poker hand rank. From top to lowest, this is the complete list of poker hands.

1) ROYAL FLUSH

Example: 10♠ J♠ Q♠ K♠ A♠

The royal flush is the most delicate possible hand in poker and ranks first in the rankings. It made five identical cards, numbered 10 through ace, in the same suit.

2) FLUSH STRAIGHT

Example: Q♥ J♥ 10♥ 9♥ 8♥

Those five cards in the same suit with consecutive ranks that aren’t a royal flush are called a straight flush. It can only defeat by a royal flush or the other straight flush with more excellent cards.

3) THREE OF A KIND

Example: 2♦ 2♠ 2♣ K♠ 6♥

Three of a Kind one ‘kicker’ card and four-hand cards with the same rank. If all players have the same four of a kind, the highest fifth side card (‘kicker’) wins in communal card games. If all players have the same four of a kind, the strongest fifth side card (‘kicker’) wins in combined card games.

4) FULL HOUSE

Example: 3♣ 3♠ 3♦ 6♣ 6♥

Three identical cards and two identical cards are required. If there is a tie, the pot won by the player who has the highest three similar cards. The most excellent value of the two matching cards wins in communal card games when participants have the same three matching cards.

5) FLUSH

Example: K♣ 10♣ 7♣ 6♣ 4♣

In any sequence, five cards from the same bag. When two players have flushes, the flush with the highest value card is the winning poker hand.

6) STRAIGHT

Example: 7♣ 6♠ 5♠ 4♥ 3♥

Five cards with consecutive number values and several suits are Straight. An ace may generally be high (above a king) or low (below a 2) in the same hand, but not both.

7) THREE OF A KIND

Example: 2♦ 2♠ 2♣ K♠ 6♥

Three identical cards and two unconnected side cards. Three of a type with the highest rating win. The highest side card, and if required, the second-highest side card, wins in community card games if participants have the same three of a kind.

8) TWO PAIRS

Example: J♥ J♣ 4♣ 4♠ 9♥

Two cards of the same rank, two cards of a different level, and one side card dealt. The highest-scoring duo wins. When both participants had the highest Pair, the highest secondary team won. If both gamers have two equal pairs, the person who has the higher value side card wins.

9) PAIR

Example: 4♥ 4♠ K♠ 10♦ 5♠

A couple of cards of the same rank in different suits is Pair. The three highest-ranking cards make up approximately the cards in hand.

10) HIGH CARD

Example: K♥ J♥ 8♣ 7♦ 4♠

The hand with the lowest rating is the High card. The ‘winning hand’ is the top card in your table.

What is a Straddle in Poker?

A poker straddle is a pre-dealt blind wager play by a bettor. Straddling basically purchases the big blind and twice the bets. The typical straddle is 2 times the large blind, but if the poker site regulations allow it, it may be much greater.

Basic Guidelines for Understanding the Kinds of Straddle Poker

It is essential to examine the house regulations if you wish to make straddling a part of your success approach. You may be expected to know how to deal with straddling and how to size your initial bet in a variety of situations.

The Under-the-Gun (UTG) Straddle

It is the most popular poker straddle. The straddle bet must be place by the UTG player before the dealer distributes the cards.

Mississippi Straddle

Any player may straddle before the cards are dealt, as long as they do so before the cards are dealt. The player who puts the straddle bet is the last one to act before the flip if no one re-straddles (which is possible).

The Un-Capped Straddle

This is the situation we discussed before when discussing no-limit games. The 2x BB restriction is remove, allowing participants to stake as much as they want / can afford.

Button Straddle

You could notice the Button Straddle in several games. You don’t have to be in a certain seat to place the bet, which is comparable to the Mississippi Straddle. The Button Straddle, on the other hand, is available to the player in the dealer’s position.

Double and Triple Straddling

Other individuals may “re-straddle” if you’re doing double or triple straddling. This implies that the straddle may continue to double as long as individuals wish. For the most part, double and triple straddling are essentially machismo exercises for most players.

Remember to Win the Game

• It’s important to remember that making good judgments is the key to winning in poker. When playing poker, always make sure you understand why you’re making the choices you’re making.
• That applies to judgments made with one’s hands, as well as whether or not to straddle when the occasion arises.
• Even while poker is a social game like okbet.com website, and I strongly advise you to do your hardest to enjoy it while also being friendly while playing, you should not feel terrible or hesitate to refuse to straddle if that is your preference, even if everyone else is.
• Maintain your discipline and examine every issue to make the greatest decision for you.

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The game of 3 Card Poker could be a variety of studs played with a traditional 52-card deck and is one of the foremost popular casino table online games. A variety of betting possibilities and methods, also as head-to-head action versus the dealer.

The player may prefer to bet against the dealer, stake the value of their own three-card hand, or do both. Three consecutive cards make up a straight, whereas three cards of the same suit make up a flush. In three-card poker, a straight defeats a flush. Certain wagers against the dealer can also result in bonus offers.

How to Play 3 Card Poker

The person will then analyze his hand and decide whether or not to place a play wager against the dealer’s hand. Any cards greater than Queen, Six, and Four should be “played,” while all hands worse should be folded, according to optimal strategy.

The game is over when a player folds, and the dealer collects the player’s ante bet and pair plus bet. When an individual chooses to play, the cards would be rolled over to see if the player has a good hand than the distributor.

Before starting, the player places an ante-bet and/or a pair plus bet, betting on having a pair or better hand.

Only the dealer and the other players at the table are in competing with you.

So unless the dealer holds a Queen-high or better hand, the play and ante wagers are given out at 1 to 1 if the player has a good hand.

Both the ante and play bets are collected if the dealer’s hand is superior. The pair plus bet is determined without regard to the dealer’s hand.

Payouts of 3 Card Poker

How to Make Your Bets in 3-Card Poker

Depending on the sort of table you choose, you can usually choose between a few bets when you take a seat at a Three Card Poker table.

Ante bet

The Ante could be a wager against the dealer, and also the player’s final deal needs to beat the dealer’s to win.

Play wager

Participants that wager on Play play against the dealer, and therefore the best hand wins.

Pair Plus

The player’s hand should match a two, flush, straight, three of a sort, or poker hand to win the Pair Plus bet.

Play both

To win both bets, find a pair or higher and beat the dealer’s 3-card deal.

Ante bonus

A Straight, Three a sort, or poker hand is required to win an Ante Bonus wager.

How to Win in 3 Card Poker?

To win your ante bet, your three-card poker hand must beat the dealers. To qualify, the dealer must have a queen-high or better.

> When a dealer fails to qualify, the player receives a 1:1 return on his ante and his Play bet.
> Unless a dealer passes and the player succeeds, the Ante and Play bets are paid out 1:1.
> The player loses both stakes if the dealer qualifies and the player loses.
> If the dealer qualifies the player and ties him, the player pushes, and both bets are refunded.

Furthermore, to the player against dealer payout, players who play Ante and Play get bonus rewards for strong hands (regardless of the dealer’s hand):

*Pays 5:1: Straight Flush    *Pays 4:1: Three of a Kind    *Pays 1:1: Straight