Video Tutorials - Watch these videos and start playing poker today
PokerStars has a wide range of useful video tutorials, each ready to show you everything you need to know about playing online poker. Check out the videos below and start playing the best games for you now.
Download and Create Account - 3:14
Find out how to download the free PokerStars software, open your new online poker account and create a unique User ID, with help and advice from Team PokerStars Pro Daniel Negreanu.
Using the PokerStars Software - 5:18
Take the virtual tour and discover how easy it is to enjoy your favourite games on PokerStars. Whether you want to sign up for ring games or register for big-money tournaments, this video can show you how.
Play For Free - 2:35
Build your play money bankroll and learn what it takes to master tournaments, ring games, Sit & Go’s and more on the play money tables. Watch the video to discover how to hone your skills for free.
Texas Hold’em - Hand Ranking
Before you hit the online poker tables, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the basic hand rankings and rules that govern Texas Hold’em. Here are the 10 hands every player should know before joining the action.
Royal Flush
Poker’s most famous hand, a royal flush, cannot be beaten. It consists of the ace, king, queen, jack and ten of a single suit.
Straight Flush
Five cards in sequence, of the same suit. In the event of a tie, the highest rank at the top of the sequence wins.
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank, and one side card or ‘kicker’. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest side card (‘kicker’) wins.
Full House
Three cards of the same rank, and two cards of a different, matching rank. In the event of a tie, the highest three matching cards wins.
Flush
Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. In the event of a tie, the player holding the highest ranked card wins.
Straight
Five non-suited cards in sequence. In the event of a tie, the highest ranking card at the top of the sequence wins.
Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank, and two unrelated side cards. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest, and if necessary, second-highest side card (‘kicker’) wins.
Two Pair
Two cards of matching rank, two cards of different matching rank, and one kicker. If both players have an identical Two Pair, the highest kicker wins.
Pair
Two cards of matching rank, and three unrelated side cards. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest, and if necessary, second or third-highest side card wins.
High Card
Any hand that does not qualify under the categories listed. In the event of a tie, the highest card wins, such as ‘ace-high’.
Develop your Skills - Why you should learn with PokerStars
The world’s largest poker site has everything you need to become poker’s next big-name pro. From free tournaments to expert tips, check out the tools below and start improving your game.
Free Online Poker School
PokerSchoolOnline (PSO) is the free online training site that lets you learn the basics and start playing for fun. It’s got everything you need to improve your game, from training courses to one-on-one tuition. And best of all it’s completely free to join!
100K Privilege Freerolls
Play up to four daily $1,000 freerolls, develop your skills and win a share of over $100,000 every month in 100K Privilege Freerolls. Just make your first real money deposit to start building your bankroll for free.
Try Different Games
Think you’ve mastered No-Limit Hold’em? Fine tune your skills in a variety of poker formats such as Omaha, Stud, Badugi, Mixed Games and more in tourneys, Sit & Go’s and Ring Games starting now. Learn every format to become the ultimate poker player.
Zoom Poker
Become a better poker player in double-quick time thanks to PokerStars fast-paced poker format, Zoom poker. Once you fold in a Zoom game, you’ll instantly be dealt a new hand against new opponents. Play more hands, learn new strategies and interact with more play money users every second with Zoom.
Special Offers
PokerStars has special offers running all year round, with cash prizes, seats to the best live events and much more.
Live Poker
Qualify for the biggest live poker events in your region and around the world, with freerolls and satellite qualifiers running now.
