For anyone who has ever played poker, or indeed anyone who does, I am sure you share my position: it is not a simple game. For a start, there are many versions. From draw to stud, Texas Hold’em to five card stud, seven card stud to Omaha Hold’em, even the list may seem dizzying to the beginner. When you see the classic scenes of crowded casino floors, or a James Bond scene where high-rolling poker is the name of the game, it may seem like a pastime that is not for everyone. Indeed, in many ways, it was the preserve of the few, the Las Vegas visitors or casino-goers. How things have changed.
Though the thrill of Las Vegas and Atlantic City are still there, and the buzz of the live casino floor cannot be truly mirrored by anything else, the world has moved on, more specifically, online. Much like the array of poker games themselves, the world of online poker games is mesmeric and, to beginners, quite confusing in many ways. One search will soon introduce you to an almost innumerable number of online gaming and casino websites, apps, platforms, and destinations. Each of these may share common games, but each is also trying to offer a different user experience for the player.
Amid all this, the world of poker has not only become a global phenomenon in terms of popularity, but it has become something of a worldwide community. Playing online poker has created entire forums, conventions, competitions, and contests, with friendships formed and experiences shared. Online poker has also revealed something else: the desire of some of the top players to offer up tips and tricks, and the ability to share that widely and with true accessibility. So how have these online poker partnerships formed and how do they impact the casual player, myself included, while also growing the game even further into the mainstream? Let’s dig into that now, shall we?
Taking Poker Mainstream As Pro Players Turn Into Tutors
We all know that there are masters of their craft in many industries. Many of those are the inspiration for the ones who aspire to reach the top, and the world of online game-playing is no exception in this respect. As online poker became the absolute behemoth that it is today, those who play professional poker, both online as well as at the in-person tournaments in Las Vegas and beyond, became global superstars. With this lofty acclaim, many turned to the virtual world to help other players grow their abilities and take their poker-playing skills to the next level. This, of course, not only increases the number of good players, but it also makes poker, especially online poker, more accessible and fun.
From Dan Smith to Erik Seidel, Donny Chan to David Peters, and that is before we even start to look at the “celebrity” poker stars such as Ben Affleck and Tobey Maguire, great players are now known to share many tips and tricks to those who want them. Making better players creates a more mainstream poker culture and, as these players turn into de facto poker tutors, this seems to be increasingly popular. Just like gamers share gaming guides and tips for everything from Grand Theft Auto to Fortnite and more, poker players are sharing strategies, tips, and even how-to-play guides for those who are truly new to this card game world. It is not just a few, either: the internet is awash with poker tutorial videos, content, forums, and professional know-how, and it is only making online poker playing bigger.
Poker Playing Communities Becoming Truly Connected
When I talk about online poker-playing communities, I really do mean that word: communities. Far from the days of being played by stalwarts in smoke-filled basements or being enjoyed by the rich and famous almost exclusively, the world of online poker has brought people together. All around the globe, people play online poker around the clock and sometimes even internationally. In so many cases, these people would never have connected with each other, and in an increasing number of instances, they even get to connect in real life – virtual game-playing communities have begun to spawn in-person gatherings, conventions, and competitions where they can meet up. After all, we love face-to-face gaming time.
Naturally, not everyone who plays together online is destined or able to meet in person – but for those who can, this is a great occurrence that is getting more and more popular. In a way, it seems like we’ve gone full circle: we used to play together, we moved online, and now we’re back to the physical option (at least to an extent).
Whichever way you deal it, the truth is that poker-playing partnerships are on the rise. From pro players sharing tips and strategies to online players playing with each other all over the world and creating conventions, the community is strong and getting stronger.