If you're a poker fan, you probably are already familiar with online poker: it's convenient and accessible and lets you enjoy your favourite casino game even if there are no land-based casinos near you. And if you have people close to you who also enjoy poker, then online poker with friends is the way to go!
The guide we prepared is mainly aimed at punters just starting their online poker journey. In the lines below, we will outline an overview of online poker, the steps to playing poker online with friends, and different options for enjoying a private poker game online.
We're all about the essence, so we won't stall anymore. Let's dive right into the online poker world!
Online Poker With Friends - Why Is It so Popular?
Imagine having to take a 5-day business trip, Monday to Friday, but the final game in the championship is scheduled for Wednesday. What are you going to do?
Playing online poker, you can continue to enjoy socialising with your friends while staying on top of your professional or any other commitments.
What stands behind the popularity of online poker with friends is the unique blend of social aspects of poker and the convenience of online gaming.
Here are some of the reasons why poker online with friends has picked up in popularity in recent years:
Social Interaction. Let's face it: playing poker online is about more than just winning. The aspect of interaction brings added value to the experience many players are looking for.
Convenience. Playing online poker with friends is incredibly convenient. It eliminates travelling logistics and allows you to enjoy a diverse selection of poker games to play with friends.
Fair play. Reputable online poker platforms use encryption and security measures to ensure fair play and protect players' funds, offering a level of trust you may lack in a home game.
Players from across the world. Online poker challenges you to play against opponents from around the world, thanks to a global player pool.
Bonuses and rewards. Online poker sites offer bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs that bring additional value to the playing experience. Did anyone say cash bonuses?
How to Play Online Poker With Friends?
If you know how to play poker, then learning how to play online poker with friends will be easy peasy: once you choose a platform and create an account, you can host a private poker game online and invite your friends.
In general, there are two basic ways to play multiplayer poker: mobile apps and websites. Let's see how they work.
Private Poker Game on Mobile Apps
Most players prefer playing poker online with friends on mobile apps, which is understandable, given the convenience those apps offer. If you're one of them, follow these simple steps to enjoy your next private poker game:
- Pick an app. There are plenty to choose from: Zynga Poker, 888Poker, PokerStars, Poker Heat, or PPPoker. Pick a couple and try them out.
- Create an account. Sign up or log in to the app.
- Make a deposit. Unless you're playing a social game, you must deposit some money in your online poker account.
- Look for a private game option. Find a "Private Game" or "Home Game" feature within the app.
- Create a game. Start a private game, setting your own rules.
- Invite your poker friends and share the game details with them.
- Launch the game. Once everyone has joined, initiate the game and start enjoying yourself.
Private Poker Game on Poker Sites
A private poker game on poker websites follows pretty much the same principle as private poker on mobile apps. But there are a couple of differences that you will notice down the line:
- Choose a poker site. Find a reputable online poker site with the option to host private games.
- Create an account. If you don't already have an account, you must create one, just like you would have to on a poker app.
- Deposit funds.
- Access the poker software. This is done either by installing the poker software on your computer or using the site's web-based client.
- Find a private game feature. With your account and deposit all set up, look for the option to create or join private games.
- Create a private game.
- Invite your friends.
- Start the game.
As you can see, whether you play on a computer or a poker app, the process is largely the same, and the choice boils down to a personal preference.
How to Find the Best Options for You
To make the process of picking a platform to play poker online with friends, we will lay out several most important aspects to factor in:
Private game options. First and foremost, make sure the platform offers the ability to create and customise private poker games, allowing you to invite your friends and set the game parameters.
Game variety. There are so many poker variants out there, so why limit yourself? Choose a platform that offers a wide range of poker variants and betting limits to cater to your group's preferences.
Security. Stick to reputable platforms with solid security measures, fair play guarantees, and a history of trustworthy operations like online
Player traffic. Check if the platform has a sufficient player base, especially during your preferred playing times.
Mobile compatibility. Ensure the platform has a mobile app or a mobile-friendly website, as many players prefer playing on their smartphones or tablets.
Customer support. Choose a platform with responsive customer support in case you encounter any issues or have questions.
Payment options. Ensure the platform supports convenient payment methods for deposits and withdrawals.
Reviews and reputation. Read player reviews to ascertain the platform's reputation to get an idea of its reliability.
Etiquette of Playing Online Poker With Friends
Poker etiquette has evolved continuously throughout the history of poker. Maintaining it when playing online poker with friends ensures that everyone has an enjoyable and memorable gaming experience while preserving the camaraderie among friends.
As usual, communication comes first. At all times, you should keep communication respectful and friendly and avoid trash talk or aggressive language. The same goes for non-verbal communication, e.g. taking your turn as promptly as possible.
Player integrity comes next: always play honestly and ethically. Cheating or colluding can ruin the experience and trust among friends. Player integrity also includes being patient with less experienced players and avoiding criticising them. Poker is a learning experience for many.
Finally, respect the host's rules in private poker games and make an effort to resolve any dispute amicably.
Online Poker With Friends Takeaway
As you can see, playing poker with friends online is an easy way to socialise with your friends even when you cannot meet in person. All it takes is an app or website, and you're basically good to go; the convenience of online poker allows for an enjoyable experience wherever you may find yourself.
Also, the virtually endless customisation possibilities of online poker can cater to all types of poker players, allowing you to try your luck against different player strategies.
Of course, the most crucial thing is to apply caution when choosing a poker site or app to avoid any inconvenience. In other words, stick to reliable and licensed gambling sites to protect your rights and money. The rest is really up to you and your friends' preference.
Good luck!
