Crypto poker is one of the more confusing terms in online gambling, because it actually refers to three separate games which are entirely different.
In this guide to crypto poker, we’ll be running you through the main types of poker, explaining the rules of each. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a much better understanding of crypto poker rules – and then you can find the version of crypto poker which is right for you.
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Crypto poker is an online card game which you can either play against other players, or against the dealer.
The aim of the game in crypto poker is generally to get the best hand possible. In most formats, the ultimate hand is a Royal Flush, consisting specifically of A-10 in a single suit. Depending on the version of crypto poker you’re playing, you may need to bluff your opponents. Or, in other versions, you can simply play your cards as they’re dealt.
The nuances of crypto poker – and even the foundations of the game – will vary massively depending on which type of poker you’re playing.
Right, we keep talking about all these mysterious different types of poker – but what are we on about? Let’s take a look at the main versions of crypto poker and their key differences.
This is what I’d call ‘proper poker’, where you take on other players and try to bluff your way to victory. It will usually just be labelled ‘poker’ rather than ‘peer-to-peer poker’ at the best crypto casinos, so the only way you can tell the difference is by knowing what you’re actually looking for.
As if things weren’t confusing enough, there are two versions of this type of crypto poker: cash games and tournaments.
In a cash game, you’ll face between one and nine opponents. This is the James Bond stuff, where the amount you bet has a real cash value. If you raise me $10, I can re-raise you to $30, and then you go all in for $100 – that sort of thing.
In a crypto poker tournament, every entrant pays a set fee called a buy-in. These buy-ins are collected and awarded to the top few finishers, with first place receiving the lion’s share. Play continues until there’s only one player left. Ordinarily, the top 15-20% of the field get paid.
In this version of crypto poker, there’s something called rake. This is how the crypto casino makes its money. If you’re buying into a tournament, a small percentage goes to the house. For example, if you pay $11 to enter a tournament, $10 will go to the prize pool and $1 to the casino. In cash games, a small percentage of rake is collected from each individual pot.
The most common type of poker at crypto casinos is regular casino poker. Unlike standard poker, you won’t be playing against other people. Instead, you’ll be taking on the dealer – much like you would in blackjack.
This version of crypto poker doesn’t require any bluffing, clever raising, or in-depth hand analysis. Instead, you can simply focus on the hand you have and the possible hands the dealer could have.
Like blackjack, your aim is to show a better hand than the dealer and bet accordingly. And, just like blackjack, the dealer will play in a predetermined manner, like a robot. That’s why you don’t need to worry about bluffing.
Some of the most popular versions of crypto casino poker include:
Each variant has its own rules. If you’re new to a game, open it up and click the information panel or help menu to study the rules closely before you place any bets.
Another popular version of the game is video poker. You may have seen this down the local boozer, but it’s also available online.
There are many variants of video poker, but the fundamental gameplay is usually very similar.
Here’s how to play crypto video poker:
Most versions of video poker require you to hit at least a pair of jacks to win. Better hands earn you more cash. If you bet the maximum number of units – say, five coins – you’ll unlock bigger prizes for the top hands. The Royal Flush is the dream chase. It’s rare and difficult to hit it. But, if you do, you could win big.
Some of the most popular versions of crypto video poker include:
Now that you know all about the different types of crypto poker, you can see that there is no one single way to play. Instead, the rules vary significantly based on two factors:
But there’s one set of rules which you need to know if you want to learn how to play crypto poker. And they’re the rules of Texas Hold’em.
Hold’em is by far the most popular type of poker format there is. Others include Omaha, Stud, and Razz. But the vast majority of poker is played using Texas Hold’em rules, regardless of whether you’re up against other players or the dealer.
For the purposes of crypto poker, the main thing you need to know is the different hand rankings. Here’s the full list, from the best poker hand to the worst.
Remember, you’re making the best five-card hand – even if it’s only a few of the cards that seem relevant.
| Hand | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Specifically ace to ten, all of the same suit |
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| Straight flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit |
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| Four-of-a-kind | Four cards of the same value |
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| Full house | Three-of-a-kind plus a pair |
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| Flush | Five cards in any order but all the same suit |
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| Straight | Five consecutive cards of any suit |
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| Three-of-a-kind | Three cards of the same value |
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| Two pair | Two sets of two cards of the same value |
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| Pair | Two cards of the same value |
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| High card | A single high card |
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Aces can be high or low for straights, but you can’t wrap around. So, there’s no such straight as Q-K-A-2-3. For high card and other hands, the ace is high. For example, an ace-high flush beats a king-high flush.
Once you’re familiar with these hand rankings, you’re ready to play most versions of crypto poker. While you’re getting used to them, feel free to print out our poker hand ranking chart and keep it next to you as you play. It’s completely legal.
If you’re new to poker games but familiar with crypto casino slots, you might be wondering how the two compare.
We’re saying this so much that it’s beginning to feel like a legal disclaimer, but it depends on the type of poker you’re playing.
Here’s how the different versions of crypto poker compare to slots:
Yes, it’s 100% legal to play online poker using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Using BTC, ETH or any other recognised crypto token to play poker online is just as acceptable as it is to use fiat currencies like GBP, USD and EUR.
Blockchain poker is the same as regular poker, but backed by blockchain technology. Instead of relying on a casino to be honest, you can cross-check the randomisation of every hand via the blockchain. This means you no longer have to worry about a game being fixed.
Peer-to-peer crypto poker can be profitable if you study the game and have a high return-on-investment (ROI) over a long period of time. If you’re playing crypto poker against the casino, the house edge means it’s harder to secure a profit in the long term.
If you’re playing against other players, the casino takes a small percentage of the pot or buy-in, known as rake. If you’re playing crypto poker against a dealer, the house edge is how the casino makes profit over time.
Moonshot Slots offers impartial information about online casinos and games. Our expert team creates reviews and guides based on their best knowledge and judgment. However, these resources are for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Prior to playing in any casino, ensure you comply with all relevant regulatory requirements.
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