Learn How to Play Poker

To learn how to play poker on the Internet, it's best to start out at the poker sites by playing their free games. You should first make sure that you are familiar with the games at each site by reading the rules for the poker games you plan to play (see the reference pages of our menu). You should also read any special rules in effect at the site you choose. Then choose a free poker site from the list below (for playing against live opponents) or from our Card Games page (for casino poker games).

♣ Is this your first time playing Internet poker ? ♣ Beginners can check out our walkthrough of the process (with screenshots) at how to play poker online. Reading books is also good, but you won't learn everything from poker books.

Free Poker Sites

The top free poker sites for playing LIVE poker online are ranked below.

To play poker for free at any of these sites, first sign up as a guest player in order to get usd to using their software. You can play for free for as long as you want. Once you are comfortable using their software and playing their games, you can make a deposit, join as a real player, and place real money bets.

Most of these sites give you a matching bonus of up to $100 free money when you make your initial deposit. If you like, you can join several sites and take advantage of each poker site's starting bonus. To learn more about free offers, read this article on free roll tournaments & bonuses from online poker sites.

RANK	POKER SITE	DEPOSIT BONUS
1	Poker Stars	FPP System
2	Poker.com - Free Rolls !	100% up to $100 coupon code: 100PERCENT
3	Full Tilt Poker	100% up to $600 Referral Code BEST
4	Bodog Poker	10% up to $1000
5	Pacific Poker	25% up to $100 No US Players !

We also have pages for new poker sites and the online poker awards for the top ranked sites by category including software, promotions, and tournaments.

Free Holdem Poker Guide

Poker columnist Dead Money has written a Beginners Guide to Playing No Limit Holdem Poker. It is helpful advice for anyone, but is intended for someone who plays good cards, has good instincts, but has limited experience playing poker.

♣ Calculating Estimated Value ♣ Position in Holdem Poker ♣ Basic Math for Playing Holdem ♣ Tips for Draws in Poker ♣ Playing Before the Flop in Holdem ♣ The Best Starting Hands in Holdem ♣ Learning Hands for Holdem ♣ Holdem Poker Practice Hands ♣ Intermediate Poker Hand Example ♣ Advanced Holdem Hand Examples

Draw Poker: A game where players can discard one or more cards from their hand and receive replacement cards.

Jacks or Better: A game in which a player needs to have at least a Pair of Jacks to open the betting.

Poker School: People assembled to play poker, or a group from which players are drawn. You can also learn how to play the game at poker school. . .