Play Free Online Live Poker

About Live poker

In these games, you come face to face with live dealers who are in an offline studio. Modern cameras broadcast the game from different angles in real-time, and most of them support HD quality, so you can follow every move of your opponent. Thus, the developers have accomplished their task of creating the atmosphere of a real casino right in your room. That's why it has become so popular today.

Below we offer you an overview of the main rules, stakes, and principles of live dealer poker games that are available in many online casinos worldwide.

How to play live poker

The gameplay in many games is the same. Therefore, you are unlikely to encounter any difficulties. You should start with the rules and the payout table that are available in each game. They are usually in a separate section where you will get through the appropriate button.

The game will start as soon as you make the mandatory bet known in poker as Ante. After that, you will be dealt cards, with which you will continue the game. Then you have to make a new bet or stop the round if you think you have no chance. 

The advantage of live games is that their principles do not differ much from traditional poker online machines. Therefore, it will be easy for you to start as all you need to do is to place your bets and decide on your next move. Moreover, comfort is guaranteed by a smooth broadcast from a real studio with different dealers and tables.

Live poker winning strategies

The first recommendation will be to find the right game. As we mentioned above, all games differ in their payout levels designated as RTP. It indicates your chances of getting your bets back, so beginners should choose games with higher RTP. This is not the only recommendation to increase your odds.

Fast-play your strong hands

Unfortunately, not all players are quick to take advantage of their strong hands, which can lead to defeat in most cases. According to this strategy, frequent slow play is a mistake among players (mostly beginners) who are afraid to kick their opponents out of the pot. 

The gist of the advice is simple: bet your strong hands to increase the pot and protect your equity. This is not a call to raise your strong hands post-flop. Do it when: 

• There is a small chance you’ll be overtaken.
• There aren’t many scare cards left that will keep you from getting paid in the next rounds.

Just watch your cards and act when the situation is right! 

Use side bets

This option is available in many games, but some users ignore it. There is no need to be afraid to spend more money. The point of side bets is to give players more chances in the game. Some of them are paid independently of the dealer’s cards in live games. In other words, it can be your insurance in case the main bet fails. 

Different styles of play

One of the things why casino poker is so popular is the variety of game approaches. Many of them can be divided into several categories:

• Tight: caution with few hands.
• Loose: lots of hands and more risk in each round.
• Aggressive: techniques with more hands and opening pots. 
• Passive: the opposite of the previous approach, where the player allows the dealer to determine the course of the game.

With real dealers, you have the option of choosing the style of play that suits you best. Or maybe you like all of them?

The main rules of live poker

The first thing you need to understand is that the versions of this poker are very diverse. In any reputable casino, you will find a whole list of titles available to play with dealers. The good news is that almost all of them follow the same rules. Once you learn them once, you will feel comfortable at any poker table.

1. Live games use a single deck of 52 cards. They are shuffled after each round, and usually, this is done with a special machine.
2. Games are played against the dealer or the casino itself. To win, you need a better hand than the dealer. 
3. In all games (except Caribbean Stud Poker), players are dealt only one hand. 
4. Bonus and side bets come with an increased chance of a payout. However, they should not be used often, as they can have the opposite effect and ruin your bankroll. 
5. Payouts depend on the game you choose, your bet, and the other players’ bets.
6. You can also find casino poker games where real dealers play progressive jackpots. 
7. Some payouts depend on whether the dealer has a minimum value to his/her hand. 

To avoid wasting time on less generous games, check the RTP every time you sit down at a new table. RTP (return to player) is the expected return you will get from your bets in theory. 3 Card Poker has a 96.6% RTP, while Ultimate Texas Hold'Em has a 99.4% RTP and offers more frequent payouts.

How to play live poker for real money

To start playing live poker for real money, you need to follow a few steps.

1. Start with the right live casino. They are available in a wide variety, but make sure you can trust the resource you choose. Check it for licenses and poker live versions. Often live dealer games are offered with bonuses for new and regular customers.
2. Choose a suitable game. It could be Caribbean Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold'Em, or any other version of virtual poker. Make sure you choose a table with a high RTP. You can check this in the rules of the game. 
3. Place a bet. When you register at the casino, you need to make a deposit to play poker for real money. When you start betting, money will be deducted from your account, but it will be returned as soon as you win. 
4. Enjoy a great atmosphere and winnings. 

With this guide, players can join the poker table right now. They just need to choose a suitable casino and run the game that appeals to them the most.