What Is Poker?
Players receive a limited number of cards, which is fewer than a full five-card poker hand. Subsequently, a series of communal cards is dealt face-up, with the ultimate goal for players being to create the most optimal five-card hand using a combination of their own cards and the community cards.
How do the blinds work?
When you take your seat at a speed poker table, your position is completely random or based on the only remaining available spot. Depending on where you end up, you may be required to play a blind or not. It's possible to find yourself in the big blind seat on your very first hand or not receiving one at all, while at a table where you fold before the button reaches you. Unlike tournament poker, the blinds at speed poker tables remain fixed throughout the games. This is because some players may stay at a table for multiple hands, while others may leave after just one. If you're seeking a comprehensive guide on all the rules of poker, you can find it here. Speed poker appeals for several reasons. It grants players the freedom to switch between different tables, removing the feeling of being limited in success, whether it's due to being up against stronger opponents or constantly getting dealt unwanted hands. It's perfect for those looking for fast winnings and offers a direct contrast to players who prefer a more patient and strategic approach to poker.
What is equity in poker?
Equity is often defined as the proportion of the pot that can be assigned to a player, depending on the strength of their hand in relation to other players. Nonetheless, it is important to note that hand strength is not the sole factor influencing equity. As the number of players increases, the equity of even the strongest hands diminishes due to the heightened possibility of an opponent drawing a hand that is equal to or stronger than what would have been a winning hand otherwise. Additionally, equity fluctuates after each stage of the game - from pre-flop to the flop, the turn, and ultimately the river - as more cards come into play. To better understand this concept, let's consider a hypothetical scenario where you are playing against a single opponent. If you hold a pair of aces while your opponent has a pair of kings, your equity would be 81.06%, compared to your opponent's 18.55%, with a 0.38% chance of a tie. Assuming a $100 pot, $81 would be attributed to you, while $19 would belong to your opponent. However, if the flop reveals a king, queen, and jack, the equity would shift in favor of your opponent. In this case, their equity would be 78.48%, while yours would be 20.71%, and the possibility of a tie would stand at 0.81%. This example effectively illustrates how equity represents the likelihood of winning a poker game based on factors such as your cards, the stage of the game, and the number of players involved.