Ultimate Guide to Playing Online Poker with Friends

1. The Benefits of Playing Online Poker

Online poker is becoming seriously popular and it's not hard to see why. Indeed, there are a wide range of benefits to choosing to play poker online rather than in real life. The first of these is that it's much easier and more accessible to play online poker from home. After all, if you are playing online you don’t need to find a specific game or casino that offers poker, and you don't have to wait until a specific time of the day as there are online poker games on 24/7.

Next, another big draw to online poker is that if you choose it to be, it can be completely free. Yep, that's right you can play for free, and bet with simulated money, so even if you are learning you’ll never lose a penny.

On the topic of learning online games are also a great way to learn all the rules of poker, enabling you to hit the ground running when you do decide to play an IRL game. Last of all, when playing online poker you get to decide how quickly you play, and what style of poker you play, and there is a myriad of different styles on offer online so whatever your favorite you’ll be sure to find it.

2. How to Set Up a Poker Game with Friends

Whether you are setting up an online or IRL poker game there are a few steps you’ll need to go through. First of all, be sure that you know how serious or lighthearted the players you are inviting are. You don't want very casual players who are happy to bet matches around the same table as semi-pros hoping to fill their pockets with their opponents' cash.

Next, you must make sure that everyone playing knows the rules of the game. If you have any beginners it is a good idea to get them to play online single-player poker games beforehand as this will help them from stalling the game to asking questions.

Additionally when it comes to rules be sure that you make clear any house rules before you begin to avoid any arguments later on.

If you are planning an IRL game you’ll need to make sure you have cards, chips and a sturdy table to play around. However, if you are playing online you don't need any of this as it's all provided virtually for you.

3. Top Poker Apps for Multiplayer Fun

If you want to play poker online with your friends, then you can do that through the following top apps that allow you to create poker games that are private to your group only.

• Partypoker,
• GGPoker,
• WSOP App,
• PPPoker,
• PokerStars,
• 888poker

Some of these apps will even let you set up a game with friends for free!

4. Virtual Poker Nights: A New Trend

Since the Pandemic, virtual social activities have become increasingly popular as we have realized that there are a great many things that can be from at home including playing poker against friends or challengers.

However, a new development within virtual poker is the use of VR equipment to make the experience even more realistic. Indeed VR headsets are primed to make waves in the online poker community because they provide a truer sensation of sitting at the table with other competitors.

5. Tips for Hosting a Successful Poker Game

Whether it's online or in real life, there are some specific things you can do to ensure your poker game with friends is as fun and goes as smoothly as possible.

Make It Regular Event

The first is to ensure that your poker night becomes a regular event. This is vital because it makes it a lot easier for people to plan their time, and make space for your game every week or month.

Snacks and Refreshments

Traditionally if you are hosting an IRL poker night then it's your responsibility to provide snacks and refreshments. Snack foods that can be eaten easily while playing like chips, pretzels, and nuts are a good call for food. Whereas for drinks beers both alcoholic and non, as well as other soft, usually carbonated drinks should be provided.

Those playing online with friends can enjoy the refreshments and snacks too. Just be sure to treat yourself to some packets of your favorite chips or salty snacks and put your beverages in the refrigerator the night before your game so you can be sure there'll be extra frost and help keep you cool, even when the pressure is on!

Set the Tone With Background Music

Last of all, if you want your poker nights to be a real success, it never hurts to add some background music. In real life, you can create a playlist and play it through your phone or speakers. While some online poker sites even music and/or sound effects to make playing the game feel even more real.

6. Spice Up Your Poker Nights with Online Games

There are several ways you can spice up your poker nights with online games. The first is to bet with real money. Yes that’s right you can play online poker with your friends and make real bets. Of course, you’ll have to open an account with the provider you choose, or you can bet for the simulated money and agree that you will send each other any money owed once the game has ended.

Another way to spice up your online poker night is to choose a game variant that you don’t usually play. For example, if you play Texas Hold Em then why not suggest Seven-card stud, Stud Hi/Lo (8 or Better), or Omaha Poker? Of course, you’ll have to make sure that everyone knows the rules for any new game you try. Although, changing up the games you play can make things more interesting because it may break a certain player's winning streak, or suit another player's style more mixing things up!

DISCLAIMER: The games on this website are using PLAY (fake) money. No payouts will be awarded, there are no "winnings", as all games represented by 247 Games LLC are free to play. Play strictly for fun.