Why Poker is So Appealing

Poker is easily one of the most popular card games ever to be played, and it's enjoyed by millions of people all over the world in its various formats. It's been popular for many years, but has become especially so ever since it was possible to play online for real money. The internet has helped introduce the game to huge numbers of new players. Many people still enjoy playing at home with friends too though, or in casinos or poker rooms.

Of course, the game is not for everyone. There are bound to be some people who can't see the appeal of poker at all, and struggle to understand why it is so popular. Ask anyone who loves the game just why they enjoy it, though, and they would probably be able to give you several reasons without a moment's hesitation.

The appeal of poker is ultimately personal to each individual, so different people will enjoy it for different reasons. There are, however, a few reasons that are particularly common. We discuss these in some detail below.

Fun & Social Game

Poker is primarily a gambling game which involves winning and losing money. We talk more about that side of the game later, but first we'll look at poker as a form of entertainment. There are lots of people who enjoy playing this game simply because it's a lot of fun, and this is as good a reason as any in our view.

Poker can be a very exciting game, where you never know quite what's going to happen next, and there is obviously the competitive nature of the game where you are trying to beat your opponents. Both of these things are very appealing to a lot of people, as is the social side of the game. Talking with the other players around the table (or using the chat box if playing online) is a big part of the enjoyment for many.

Possible to Win Money Consistently

Like any form of gambling, poker provides the chance to win money – and this is almost certainly one of the biggest reasons why people play the game. We've just mentioned how a lot of people play poker largely for fun, or because they appreciate the social aspect of the game, but you have to wonder how many of them would enjoy the game quite so much if it wasn't for the fact that there is money involved. Even if there are those who don't really care about winning or losing, it's reasonable to assume that the majority are playing at least partly because they can win some money.

What is particularly appealing about poker is that the odds aren't necessarily stacked against you like they are in some other forms of gambling, such as casino games for example. Casino games also offer the chance to win money, but the built in house edge that all these games have means that you are always more likely to lose than you are to win. Essentially the only way to win is if luck is on your side.

There is some luck involved in poker too, as you can't control which cards get dealt, but you are not entirely reliant on luck. There is also skill involved, and you can improve your skills by learning poker strategy and putting it into practice. This means it is possible to win money on a consistent basis; you basically just need to make sure you are better than your opponents.

Easy to Learn, But Complex Too

Another hugely appealing aspect of poker is that it's very easy to learn. It can take a little while to get completely familiar with all the rules, but the basics are really quite simple. Once you understand the hand rankings, the different actions you can take, and the way the betting works, you should be able to pick the game up pretty quickly.

This might sound contradictory, but poker is a complex game as a well as a simple one. You can easily play the game, and enjoy it, just by learning the rules. However, fully understanding poker and all that's involved is something else entirely. Many people play the game at a very basic level, just acting based on the cards they can see, but to be a truly successful player you have to consider all kinds of other factors.

"Poker's a day to learn and a lifetime to master." – Robert Williamson III

Poker is a game of incomplete information, so there are always certain unknowns that you have to try to figure out if you want to make the best decision in any given situation. You never know what cards are going to be dealt next, or what cards your opponents might be holding. You can't be sure why an opponent has made a particular bet, or how the rest of the table is going to react to your next bet.

Thinking through all of this, and trying to work out the best way to act, is something that many players find hugely appealing. It is a great test – intellectually, psychologically, and mathematically – and a lot of people really enjoy testing themselves in this way.

Suitable for All Budgets

Poker can be played at a wide range of stakes, so everyone should be able to enjoy playing the game regardless of their budget. This is especially true if you are playing online. You can play with just a few dollars if you want, or at very high stakes with buy-ins running into the thousands. Some poker sites even run tournaments that are free to enter, but still have the chance of winning money.

The very fact that you can easily play poker at a level that is right for you is appealing enough, and there is an additional side benefit of this too. As a general rule, the stakes you play at relate directly to the standard of opposition that you will run into. This means if you're a beginner that's still learning the game, or just not very confident in your abilities, you can choose to play against opposition that is largely of the same standard by sticking to the small stakes. If you're a more skilled player and want to test yourself against better opposition, you can play games where the stakes are higher.