There are quite a variety of poker games which anyone with enough interest and willingness can opt to learn. Among such variations, the more popular ones include Texas Hold’em, Seven-Card Stud, and the Omaha.  The most popular of the three poker games is the Texas Hold’em Poker which is the game usually broadcasted on television, as well as commonly played online. In this game, there are two hidden cards, called the hole cards, and five exposed cards, called community cards. This game is played among two to ten players in a single table, with the goal of winning as much chips as one can, one pot at a time.

In order to win a pot, a player needs to have the best hand among all others. An example may be having a royal flush, which is the highest of all hand rankings. Aside from that, the pot can also be claimed when all the other players fold prior to the showdown.

There are three phases in Texas Hold’em poker: the set-up, the betting rounds, and the showdown. The set-up mostly involves selection of the dealer and the putting out of the blinds. When this is done, the deal can start, with two cards for each player. The end of a hand is proclaimed when all but one player folds or if they reach the fourth betting round. After which, the showdown ensues, with each player exposing their hands one by one. The winner is determined after evaluation of the hands.

Next to Texas Hold’em, Omaha is the second most played game of the poker games variations. The appeal of it might owe to the fact that it has similar rules as the Texas Hold’em poker, and that it offers more action, adding more thrill and excitement to the game. The difference between the two poker games, Omaha and Hold’em respectively, is that there are four, instead of two cards dealt with for each player. Moreover, evaluation of the winning hand during the showdown is determined by more rules.

Different from the two previous community-card games is the Seven-card Stud game. Of the poker games mentioned, Seven-card Stud is referred as the traditional or the “pure” kind of poker. Its degree of difficulty is much higher than the other poker games and the game itself entails more concentration and card-playing expertise. Unlike Hold’em or Omaha, Seven-card Stud utilizes antes instead of blinds. Antes, which is a forced bet, is made by each player before the deal is began. A different manner of hand evaluation is also done for this kind of poker game.

First things first, you can’t have a poker party without poker implements. It’s rather common sense. A deck of cards and chips, plus a dealer button are the basics. It’s recommended that you prepare two decks of cards per table and use brand new cards. As for the dealer button, you can simply make use of something that distinguishes the deck holder, like a hat.

If you decide to involve bets with money, you should first confirm with the laws that govern your state if it is allowable. Also remember to keep the stakes of the game low. You wouldn’t want you or your guests to be overly competitive as it will spoil the fun atmosphere. Low stakes keep the competition in an adequate level and keep the game interesting and fun.

Next, you’ll need a table enough to accommodate about five to nine players, a preferable number. It’s also best to keep a television and a couch just round the corner for the game’s early outs, to give them an area to relax while waiting for the game to be done. To jazz up the ambiance of your poker party, you can also add some music, depending on the preference of your guests. Just make sure to keep it at a low volume so as not to disrupt the concentration of the players and ruin the game.

Of course, a poker party, like any other party, won’t be complete without some good food and beverages. It is basically a party essential, especially because poker games could take long to finish and the players and other guests would need to be fed.

Since poker parties are usually casual, finger foods are best to prepare. Chips with dips, sandwiches, cookies, or pretzels are some suggestions. It is advisable to prepare them in different bowls or trays that can be easily handed over to the different guests. For beverages, beer is a popular choice. Try stocking a few beers and other alcoholic drinks in your bar. Don’t forget to include non-alcoholic beverages, as well, for those guests who prefer such.

Lastly, plan your guest list. This may not be very necessary but it would help you in the preparation of your poker party. Knowing who to invite can help you have a clearer vision of how to prepare your party. Also, it can help you control the people who will be attending your poker party, especially if you prefer a rather private or exclusive party, so to say.