Thanks to the utility of mobile apps, the modern person relies on their phone for day-to-day activities. According to reports from eMarketer, 90% of users spend the majority of their phone time on internet apps. And mobile games are one of the most popular types of apps. By 2021, there were a total of 2.5 billion mobile players worldwide, who generated the industry a yearly revenue of $77.2 billion, as reported by The Business of Apps. Some of the most popular categories for mobile gaming include card, casino, arcade, role-playing, and puzzles.
Poker is also among the few gaming options that have been consistently popular since the advent of mobile phone gaming. If you enjoy playing Poker, you may love it even more on a mobile app. Here, we’ll give you a few ways to get the most out of your favorite poker game app.
Learn about the different types of poker
There are quite a few versions of poker to choose from, and each one has its own set of rules. One of the easiest to pick up is Texas Hold’em. A guide to Texas Hold’em on Poker.org gives a nice, easy overview of the rules. Basically, each player is dealt two cards face-down, at which point everyone gets a chance to fold or buy into the hand. Then, players see the flop: three community cards that are placed face-up on the table. After each round of betting, another turn happens where another community card is revealed. Eventually, the player who makes the best poker hand with 5 cards between the community cards and their two hole cards wins that hand. This is a fast-paced version of poker, so enjoy each game!
Start slow
Even with play money, it’s frustrating to lose all your in-game chips in a hurry. As if that weren’t bad enough, some apps make you wait before you have access to more chips. If you’re just starting out with a new poker game, it’s a good idea to take it slow and enjoy each game without trying to blow through your entire stack of chips. This is also a good way to practice not giving in to the temptation to spend real money for in-game chips (unless, of course, you feel confident enough to win real money back!). Each app is different, so take your time learning about how it works, how long it takes for your chips to replenish, and of course, which varieties of poker are available on each app.
Play with headphones
Many if not all mobile apps come with wonderful visuals and excellent sound effects. However, it may be hard to hear certain sounds if the volume is low (out of courtesy for those around us) or if the phone itself doesn’t have great speakers. One way around this is to use headphones. While we all have a pair or two of cheap, low-quality headphones, it’s sometimes worth spending a little more on a good, high–quality set of headphones that will last longer. As GQ.com points out most of them look a little ridiculous , but they still add to the sense of immersion. They’re also great for drowning out any background noise, such as construction going on next door or your snoring partner.
Study poker on the side
As with most games, poker is usually most fun when you’re winning – and that comes with practice. Some poker apps let you practice indefinitely without a limit on how many games you can play, there’s only so much you can learn some playing. You can also study the game itself, as the NY Times mentions. Some people prefer books, while others learn better with videos. Either way, you’ll become a better poker player if you take the time to study a bit.
Play with friends
Everything is more fun when you play with friends, and poker is no exception. Poker is first and foremost a social game, one that allows players to test their competitive sides in a friendly way. If you’re still trying to avoid face to face meetings, mobile poker is the next best thing! And it’s always more fun to play with friends instead of strangers or the app AI.
Poker is a great pastime to have. Thanks to mobile apps, it’s easier than ever to enjoy the game from the comfort of your own home.
