Similar to other types of betting games such as slots and bingo, poker has found its way into the online world as well. As a result, so many people now have the means to play the game, thanks to the convenience (and anonymity) provided by the Internet, without needing to head to Las Vegas or the nearest casino. They can experience the fun and excitement of their favorite game of skill from the comforts of their homes.

To fully enjoy the game, of course, one has to learn the ropes of this exciting card game. Fortunately, the mechanics of StarGames' Texas Hold 'Em are very easy to understand... though if you're playing to win, like most do, that might be a bit trickier to learn and achieve. Anyway, without further adieu, let’s get into learning the rules of the game.

First, let’s understand how the game is played. Now, remember that Texas Hold ‘Em is but one variant of the game. The base rules are virtually the same throughout the different versions, but each one has features that differentiate it from the others. In this article, let’s stick with Texas Hold ‘Em.

Let’s assume that you’ve already become part of the group at a table in the game, and after checking to see if your Lady Luck's around, you’re ready to get started. Before any of the players around the table receive their cards from the dealer, each player is required to either make a bet, or wait for the community cards to be dealt out on the table. The only exception are the two blinds, who sit immediately to the left of the dealer.

The one right next to the dealer’s left arm is the small blind, who has to, by default, bet half the minimum buy-in required in the game. All other players can then choose to make advanced bets, or wait until they receive their cards before doing so.

After the blinds have made their bets together with other players on the table who chose to do so, the dealer then gives out two cards to the players. This is where you decide what to do -- to bet or to quit the game early, before you lose your money if you think your card is not good enough.

Do remember that Poker is a game that requires some strategy. If you have a very bad hand but you want to get other players to risk more, then you can do three things - call or raise. Call involves matching the betting amount made by the one on your left, while Raise, as its name suggests, means raising the bet and force the other bettor to increase his or her stakes as well or be taken out of the hand.

Bear in mind, however, that you could be forced to raise as well once the other player matches your Raise. That’s the risk involved in this strategy, but it’s also one that adds to the fun factor of Poker as well.

On the other hand, if you want to simply opt out because you don’t like your card, then you can Fold. If you want to pass from betting, but still want to wait until the fifth community card is dealt out and everyone is to show their cards, then just Check.

Finally, after the last community card is dealt and you’re still in the game, it’s time to decide what to do with your hand. Do you Fold? Or would you want to Bet all-in and get all the other players to do the same?

Alas, Poker is a game that is best experienced instead of just talked about. There are lots of Poker games nowadays on the Internet but nothing beats playing StarGames' Texas Hold 'Em since it's extremely player-friendly and if you're really good at the game, you might even turn a huge profit! So, what are you waiting for? Use the tips we've provided and give the game a shot!