The live online poker alternatives
Previously, budding poker players had to join dedicated poker sites in order to play the game online. This was often a daunting experience for beginners, who suddenly found themselves thrown in at the deep end, facing more experienced players. Now, live online casinos offer players an alternative. Let’s take a look at the different poker variations available online, starting with a simplified and fast version known as Live Casino Hold’em.
Live Casino Hold’em
Origin
Live Casino Hold’em is based on Texas Hold’em Poker and was created by Stephen Au Yeung. Incidentally, Texas Hold’em is the poker game played by Daniel Craig as James Bond in the remake of Casino Royale. Poker replaced Bond’s traditional game of baccarat to capitalize on the poker boom.
Features
The Live Casino Hold’em poker variation offers poker players an immersive experience with state-of-the-art HD video streams thanks to advances in connectivity. This gives players the opportunity to interact with a live dealer and the other participants, which is one of the attractions of playing the game around a poker table.
Rules
The objective is to beat the dealer’s hand. The players and the dealer initially receive two personal cards. In the second round three cards are dealt face up on the table, known as board cards, which are used by all players and the dealer. If players continue in the game two further cards are dealt and the player and dealer come up with the best five card hand from their own two cards and the five boards cards. The Live Casino Hold’em table game has a twist, players just take on the dealer, as opposed to each other and this variation is available to play at the best online live casino.
Live Three Card Poker
Rules
As the name suggests, in Three Card Poker players are dealt hands of just three cards. This poker variant was devised by Derek Webb in 1994. The simplicity of the rules means it is particularly recommended for beginners. In this poker variation the aim is to beat the dealer’s hand. Before the cards are dealt, players place an ante wager (their initial stake). When the three cards have been dealt to each player and the dealer, players must decide whether to fold or place a wager equal to the sum of their initial stake. However, for the dealer to play their hand must contain a Queen or better.
Live Caribbean Stud Poker
Rules
In the same way as the poker variations mentioned above, Live Caribbean Stud Poker is played against the dealer. Players begin by placing an ante. Each player is then dealt five cards face up, with all the cards of the dealer, apart from the last card, dealt face down. Players must either fold or raise by double their initial bet. The dealer then reveals their four other cards, though the dealer must have an ace/king to qualify.
Hopefully this guide has provided you with some insights into playing poker on live online casinos. Live online poker gives players an opportunity to try simplified poker variations, which offer a real alternative to dedicated poker sites.
