Some myths are worth considering, but others are utterly baseless and should be discarded. That is why we’ll show you what to do instead of believing the myths and missing out on an entertaining and intriguing game.
This brief guide will explore and debunk some myths surrounding poker in online and land casinos. With that in mind, let’s dive straight into the top 5 myths you shouldn’t believe about poker.
#1 Poker Depends Solely on Chance
Some people believe that winning a poker game is entirely up to chance. As such, they downplay the need for skills and strategies when playing. Like lambs to the slaughter, such an approach will cost you your bets, large or small.
Myth Debunked
While card dealing is entirely up to chance, players still make conscious playing decisions. These include checking or raising a bet instead of folding. The gameplay is unlike slots or instant wins, where you only adjust your bet, hit the play button, and wait for the game to unfold with no control over it.
We will agree that playing poker as an RNG-controlled table game leaves everything to chance. By the way, RNG stands for a random number generator. That said, things go beyond chance when you step into a live poker session in an online or land casino.
You can win poker with the weakest hand if other players fold before you. You can practice this in GameTwist. They have live dealer poker, that is, you can even move on to learn how to read non-verbal cues before making a betting decision.
These tiny details around the human element make skill and strategy just as critical as chance. This applies to all live poker variants.
#2 The Poker Game is Rigged in Online Casinos
Suspecting manipulation is something we’ve seen, not just in poker. It is common for players to suspect bias when they play without a win for extended periods. Hence, you’ll likely hear “The game is rigged” more often than necessary.
Myth Debunked
Can poker be rigged in an online casino? The short answer is yes. However, it would be irrational to rule all poker games as rigged.
Some online casinos use automatic card shufflers for their live poker games. This addition eliminates the errors or manipulation that might come from human card shuffling. The rest of the gameplay depends on which cards you receive and how you play.
Table poker games, on the other hand, are controlled by random number generators. Online casinos vet this software before obtaining licenses to provide gaming services. Even so, they maintain routine checks to ensure the software is uncompromised.
Random number generators produce random results. For poker, that will mean that each card shuffle differs from the other to prevent strategies like card reading or exploitation from the casino. The same is relevant for slots. If you play licensed slots or licensed mobile slots (learn more about the best titles), your game will always be fair — the outcome of every spin will always be 100% random.
Our advice would be to check for licenses and random number generator certifications before signing up with an online casino. That way, you’ll avoid registering with illegitimate gaming operators.
#3 The Hot and Cold Periods Are Real
Some players believe that specific periods favor wins while others favor losses, hence the term “hot and cold streaks.” With that in mind, they play, hoping to hit a hot streak where they win more.
Myth Debunked
There is no hot or cold period when playing poker. Yes, an experienced player may hit a lucky streak against other inexperienced players. That does not mean that all players will experience the same thing.
Remember that poker is a game of chance just as much as it needs skill and strategy. As long as you have no control over the card shuffling, you have no way of predicting a hot or cold period.
#4 Online Poker Has More Bad Luck than the Land Casino Version
This myth implies that players have more luck in land casinos than online casinos. Hence, you find players avoiding the online poker variants.
Myth Debunked
There is no reason to suggest that offline poker at a land casino has more luck than the online version. Moreover, we don’t control luck. Suggesting that the land casino versions carry more luck will be mere speculation.
The online versions are simply the same as their offline counterparts. They work the same way. The only difference is that in one, you are playing through your mobile screen or desktop, and in the other, you are physically present on the table.
#5 You Only Win with A Strong Hand
Some players, especially beginners, believe you need the strongest hand to win.
Hence, they often give up when they have anything less than a royal flush.
Myth Debunked
Having the strongest hand is crucial. However, it is not the only way to win the game.
Players can fold (give up) before the showdown. Even players with better hands can fold, leaving those with weaker hands. That can allow you to win even with a weak hand.
Conclusion
Explore different online and offline poker variants. Learn their rules and try their demo versions. Then, practice with skills and strategies to get better.