Online Poker Games

One of the older, more traditional games that children play is the wide variety of card games that are available. Children used to be able to access card games simply because adults had playing cards, and some simple version so adult games were devised to allow younger children to join in. Those families that didn’t see cards as being ruinous to one’s fortunes saw them as being a cheap way of gathering the whole family around and having a good game. Some games relied entirely on luck, in which case children could compete on an entirely level playing field; other games relied on skill and knowledge, which were clearly more advanced for the children, but there were also varieties of games devised which mixed the two, so that whilst a degree of skill was required, or at least beneficial, there was also a degree of luck, and this could play in the children’s favour.

In addition to the normal standard packs of fifty two playing cards, comprised of the usual four suits of hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades, there were also children’s equivalents created. Some of the more basic ones simply took the idea of fifty two cards divided into four families, but instead of calling them after abstract symbols, named them after families, with recognisable surnames, thirteen within each family.

This took a further step and the game of Happy Families takes this idea into a complete character based game, and the images have always been created to appeal to children. The faces and names are all easily identifiable, and children see the people as being more relevant that the symbols.

Today there is an even wide range of playing cards styles, sets and games, from simple Snap games where the object is to match up pairs of cards as they are dealt, to Trump cards which are like collector’s packs, and allow children to use statistics that relate to either real items, such as planes or cars, or fictional characters’ abilities, and play against other children’s cards to determine who is more powerful. Trading cards have also become another popular spin-off today with children swapping and exchanging cards to build whole sets.

There are a variety of games on the market which now combine a deck of cards with a board game, Uno being one example which has been around for some time. The Uno cards are based on simple, easily recognizable symbols, with colours too, and the idea is to match up pairs, runs, sets or other scorable groups of cards and rid yourself of your hand to win.

Children enjoy card games not only because they are usually quick and simple to learn, easily portable, and have a simple appeal, but they are also reminiscent of the games their parents play, poker or bridge for example, and children like nothing better than copying or imitating the things their parents do.

Since most packs of cards or children’s card games cost little more than two or three pounds, they can prove far better value for money long term than some of the more obvious mainstream games for children.

While many players are drawn to hold ‘em poker, seven card stud has remained another popular, and equally as rewarding, game. It is a game I have always played with friends and family and I think it is a fun game for anyone who likes poker. Today I will discuss the rules for playing seven card stud.

Ante
All players must first ante before they receive their initial cards, except the $0.50/$1 game which has no ante. There are five betting rounds in a complete game of 7 Card Stud, not including the ante.

Bring In
On the first round of betting, the low card by suit is required to initiate action with a bet equal to half the lower limit (bring-in). Suits are ranked: spades (highest), hearts, diamonds, clubs. On subsequent rounds, the high hand on board initiates betting action. If hands are tied, the player to the left of the dealer acts first. In all cases, the dealer will inform the players as to who acts first.

Betting
Each bet and raise during the first two rounds of betting is set at the lower limit of the stakes structure. For example in a $4/$8 game, all bets and raises are $4 for the first two rounds. The exception to this rule is if any player displays a pair with their 2 face-up cards on 4th Street. In this circumstance, all players have the option to bet either the lower limit or the higher limit. If a player bets the higher limit, then all subsequent raises must be made at the higher limit.

Each bet and raise during the last three rounds of betting is set at the higher limit of the stakes structure. For example in a $4/$8 game, all bets and raises are $8 for the last three rounds (5th street, 6th street and the river).

The maximum allowable number of bets per player during any particular betting round is four. This would consist of (1) a bet, (2) a raise, (3) a re-raise, and (4) a cap. The term cap is used to describe the 3rd raise in a round since betting is then capped and can not be raised anymore. Once the pot is capped, players will have only the option of calling or folding.

Suited connectors are hands of the same suit which are close in rank. For example, if you had the 10 and Jack of clubs you hold a no gap suited connector. A one-gap suited connector is a hand like a 9 and J of spades since there is one rank missing between the cards you hold. A two-gap suited connector would be a hand like a 4 and 7 of diamonds since there are two ranks between these cards. The more connected the cards the better your chances of making a straight.

Since suited connectors can be difficult hands to play in a no limit tournament, here are the best moves:

1. Early on in a no limit poker event, you want to see a flop cheap with these hands, and play against multiple opponents. You are risking a few chips with your call for the opportunity to win a big pot.

2. Starting at the middle stages of a tournament, you should be more aggressive with your suited connectors and raise pre-flop when first in the hand and in late position. The objective of this play is to steal the blinds as players tend to tighten up in the later the stage of a tournament. Even if you are called, your pre-flop raise allows you to win with a continuation bet on the flop.

3. You can call a pre-flop raiser with suited connectors (if you don’t think someone will re-raise behind you) since you are giving yourself an opportunity to win a big pot. For example, your opponent raises your big blind with Ace-King and you are the only caller with 6-7 suited. If the flop comes 6-7-A, you are going to win a big pot.

4. If there is a raise in late position from a player who is loose (raises too often pre-flop), you can even re-raise this player from the button or blinds with suited connectors. This play is an advanced move, but your opponent probably has a weaker hand than he is representing and your re-raise represents a premium hand. Therefore, you will win a bigger pot as he is most likely going to fold.

Pros have learned the best moves with suited connectors, have you? Improve your game by learning the moves you can make with suited connectors.