Poker is a top choice among online casino games worldwide, particularly in Singapore. Poker has evolved throughout the centuries, with significant developments, particularly in the previous three decades. Gone are the days of crowded bars and casino-exclusive games.
The emergence of online poker sites, notably during the 2020 pandemic, has changed accessibility, allowing Singaporean players from all over the world to locate a virtual poker seat regardless of where they live. Despite the comfort, some players, particularly those who prefer the traditional casino experience, remain wary about the advantages of online poker.
If you have doubts about online poker, consider using trusted poker sites recommended by CasinoRankingSG for a secure gaming experience.
Top 10 Online Poker in Singapore this 2024
Brief History: The Origins of Poker
The exact origin of poker remains a mystery. While some historians believe its origins may be traced back to the 10th-century Chinese game Mahjong or the 16th-century Persian game As Nas, many agree with the claim that the 16th-century Spanish game "primero" had a significant influence on its evolution.
Primero influenced the French game "poque" and the German game "pochen," which are both regarded as direct predecessors to modern-day poker.
Poker first appeared on American territory in 1803, when the United States acquired land from France through the Louisiana Purchase. This was a historic moment, as the game quickly took over throughout the country. Another turning point took place in 1834 when the standard deck expanded from 20 to 52 cards, solidifying poker's growth into the game we know today.
The Present-Day Poker
While the foundations of poker, such as the deck of cards and the rules, have remained unchanged for over a century, its popularity has changed over time. However, the primary objective of creating the best possible five-card hand or bluffing your way to victory stays the same.
The introduction of Texas Hold'em, which allowed up to 10 players to participate with just two hole cards and five community cards, was an important turning point in the game's development from the original five-card draw form.
Ultimately, in the late 20th century, online poker sites made use of developments in computer technology, resulting in a poker explosion. This allowed Singaporean players to participate in virtual games without needing to travel, and as technology advanced, users got the capacity to play from any location using their mobile devices or laptops.
Learn the Basics: How to Play Online Poker?
Understanding hand rankings and the structures of betting is essential before learning to play poker online, whether in an actual casino or online. Even seasoned players in events like the prestigious poker tournament rely on these basics.
Poker Hand Breakdown:
A poker hand has five cards. These cards could come from:
- Your hand only: used in Stud and Draw variants.
- A combination of your hand and community cards is used in Texas Hold'em and Omaha variants.
Regardless of how you form your hand, poker hand rankings remain consistent, as shown in the table below (ranking from best to worst).
Poker Hand Rankings
| Hand-Rankings | ||
| Rank | Hand | Description |
| 1 | Royal Flush | In poker, the most powerful hand you can have is a royal flush, which is made up of consecutive cards (10, Face Cards, and an Ace) all in the same suit. |
| 2 | Straight Flush | This hand consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit. The straight flush is the second strongest hand. |
| 3 | Four of a Kind | This hand comprises a card that appears in all four suits and one side card, known as the ‘kicker.’ |
| 4 | Full House | The hand is formed when a player holds both a pair and a three-of-a-kind in their hand. |
| 5 | Flush | A flush represents a hand comprising five cards that share the same suit but are not arranged in numerical order. |
| 6 | Straight | Five cards form a straight when they are in consecutive order, regardless of their suits. |
| 7 | Three of a Kind | Three of a Kind is made up of three cards of the same rank and two unpaired cards. |
| 8 | Two Pair | It refers to having two sets of matching cards in a single hand. |
| 9 | Pair | A pair is a pairing of the same card |
| 10 | High Card | The only measure of worth for a hand is determined by the value of its highest card, without any other considerations. |
Different Betting Structures in Poker
Online and live poker games use three different betting structures, which influence how wagers are placed and raised.
- Limit: In this structure, bets and raises are limited to a specific amount, usually the size of the ante, which is a small required bet given by each player before the hand begins. This might result in a more controlled and strategic environment.
- Pot Limit: The maximum amount that you may bet or raise is restricted by the pot size, which is the total amount of money bet that is currently in the hand. This format emphasizes more dynamic activity and lets players progressively increase the pot.
- No Limit: This is the most volatile structure since players can bet or raise whatever amount is left in their stack (all-in). This allows for more aggressive play and larger wins, but it also increases the chance of serious losses.
The Primary Objective of Playing Poker
While the primary objective of poker is to win the pot, some beginners assume it is all about having the best hand. While building a strong hand is important, it is more important at the showdown than as your primary goal throughout the game.
Winning the pot comes down to two main approaches:
- Holding the best hand at showdown: This necessitates learning poker hand rankings to decisively face down your opponents' bets.
- Pressuring opponents to fold: This method involves acquiring poker strategy, the art of bluffing, and using your opponents' actions to make them fold.
Remember, the most important lesson in learning the basics of poker is that all of your decisions should ultimately lead to one of these two strategies to win the pot.
Different Variations of Poker: Discover the Best Variant for You
Poker provides a wide range of experiences based on the variety you choose. These variations change depending on wildcards, poker hand rankings, and card distribution. Here's a look at some common variations:
| Poker Variant | Description |
| Texas Hold'em | The most well-known poker game. Players are dealt two hole cards, followed by five community cards revealed in different stages, with betting rounds in between. To create the strongest five-card hand, players combine their two-hole cards with any of the community cards. |
| Stud Poker | In this variant, each player creates the strongest hand with only the cards given to them by the dealer, with no community cards or card exchanges. Stud games often include five or seven cards every hand. |
| Pineapple Poker | Similar to Texas Hold'em, players begin with three hole cards and discard one after analyzing their hand. The two remaining cards are then combined with community cards to make the last hand. Players discard their cards differently in variations such as Crazy Pineapple and Lazy Pineapple. |
| Omaha Hold'em | Similar to Texas Hold'em, except each player is dealt four-hole cards instead of two. Players use these four cards with the five community cards to create the highest possible five-card hand. |
| 2-7 Triple Draw | Begin with five cards face down, then conduct three draw rounds in which you can swap out unwanted cards for new ones. In this "lowball" game, the hand with the lowest value wins. |
| 7-Card Stud | Similar to a 5-card draw, but with seven cards dealt (three face down and four face up). These seven cards serve as the basis for players' best five-card hand. |
| Razz | Another lowball game, but with Aces as the lowest card and the typical ranking system reversed. Players are dealt seven cards in a stud format and compete for the lowest hand. |
| Chinese poker | A variant on standard poker in which players may exchange cards (typically up to three) with the dealer after receiving their initial set of cards. The players then use those cards, together with the original set, to form a hand. |
| Badugi | Similar hand rankings to poker, but aces are low. Players are dealt four cards and have three draw and betting rounds to form the best four-card low hand. |
| 5-Card Draw | You'll be given five cards and may exchange up to three of them for new ones. The player with the strongest five-card hand wins. |
Reasons Why You Should Choose Playing Poker Online?
Playing poker online at the best online casinos from CasinoRankingSG has various advantages over traditional land-based casinos. This section of the article discusses some of the main advantages, including:
- Convenience and accessibility: With a solid internet connection, you may visit online poker sites from anywhere and at any time. Mobile applications increase this by allowing Singaporean players to place bets while on the go.
- Extensive game selection: Online poker rooms provide a greater range of games than traditional casinos. Singaporean players may choose from a variety of forms, including Texas Hold'em, Razz, 7-Card Stud, 3-Card Poker, and more.
- Attractive bonuses and promotions: Online poker sites attract Singaporean players with a variety of bonuses and promotions, including welcome bonuses, deposit bonuses, cashback, poker-related bonuses, and loyalty programs. These may help to enhance the player's experience and odds of winning.
- Fair play and rule enforcement: Online platforms offer a more accurate way of regulating gaming. Automatic enforcement of rules and chip counting promote a fair and transparent environment.
- Different payment options: Online platforms provide a broader selection of payment options than land-based casinos, which only allow for restricted over-the-counter transactions. They may include both traditional ways, such as credit cards, and newer choices, such as cryptocurrency.
- Improved security: Online casinos prioritize security, avoiding the possibility of physical confrontations that happen in traditional settings. Singaporean players may enjoy their games in the ease and security of their homes.
- Enhanced customer service: Online platforms frequently provide better customer service than brick-and-mortar enterprises. They provide multilingual assistance, easily reaching representatives and 24-hour availability.
Test Your Poker IQ Today with CasinoRankingSG!
Due to its strategic gameplay and the potential for massive payouts, poker has emerged as the most famous card game across the globe. To play this traditional card game, we suggest that you join the top online poker sites listed by CasinoRankingSG.