Jacks or Better is a popular poker game that is played among the poker enthusiasts. There are many other single hand video poker games that are based on this poker game. This basic game should be learnt well in order to try out the interesting variants. You must know that this game is a vairant of Jacks of Better and there is an added challenge where the players need to have three of a kind in order to win. The process can go on forever and a large pot is often racked up.
The things that are needed to play the poker game of Jacks or Better is a deck of cards, poker chips or money change and two or more players. The following tips need to be kept in mind for playing the game:
- One has to begin with the ante. Usually a medium ante is chosen that is equal to a typical bet. Thus, if regular bets in a home game is 25 cents, then that is a good ante for this game. It is advised that one does not set a high ante for the game as it gets repeated many times. Hence, players may run out of money if a high ante is asked for playing each hand.
- One needs to shuffle and deal. The basic strcuture of the game is similar to Five Card Draw. The five cards received are placed face down.
- The playing begins from the left side of the dealer. Every player must declare whether they are willing to “open”. A hand is opened when there is a pair of jacks or something better in one’s hand. The cards do not need to be shown. Three of a kind is not necessary to have.
- When one is ready to open, then step one is repeated. Another ante is opened. The cards should be shuffled well before repeating.
- When a player declares that she or he can open, that player then decides on the amount of the bet to be placed. This is usually equal to the ante or may be higher. It cannot be lower in amount.
- Accordingly, the players either call, raise or fold their hands. The game moves clockwise from the one who opens. When a player folds, then he is out of the game. You may choose to stay in the game and see the other hands to come. Many players choose to stick around in the hope of getting better hands.
- One can choose upto three cards for discarding. Or one can choose to keep all cards. In some games the players are allowed to draw upto four cards when they find an ace among them. This rule and whether it is to be allowed needs to be decided before the start of the game.
In such ways this basic poker game is played. When playing online, you will be guided by our video and online instructions. You will surely love the chances of winning at this game.
