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• Zynga Texas Holdem Poker

Launched by Google in September 2008, Android has become the
most popular mobile operating system OS in the world.

In the United States, almost 63% of mobile devices run
Android. China and Germany favor Android devices even more, with
over 80% of their populations using this OS.

Play this online poker game from Masque Publishing. Play two face down cards and the five community cards.

Given how many people use Android around the globe, it’s no
surprise that this OS is also heavily used by online Texas
holdem players too.

Nearly all online poker sites are compatible with Android
devices, which makes it easy to play Texas holdem with Android.

If you’re interested in playing poker through this OS, keep
reading as we discuss Android basics, how to play poker with it,
the benefits of doing so, and the top Android poker apps.

What Is the Android OS?

The Android operating system comes installed on a number of
different smartphone and tablet brands, including:

• LG
• Moto
• Nexus
• Samsung Galaxy

Android devices feature lots of Google owned services,
including Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube. This allows users to
quickly access a variety of helpful services without having to
download and install each one themselves.

Of course, Android products can also be customized if you
want to change the apps, interface, themes, and wallpapers.

Many find this customization easy when downloading poker
apps, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and more.

This OS also backs up all of your smartphone contacts via
your Google Account. Every number that you save to your address
book is also documented in your Google Account.

This is really useful because if you lose your phone,
contacts for your friends and family will be saved.

No matter whether you get an Android, iPhone iOS, or Windows
Phone, your contacts will be available in your new address list
without having to transfer anything.

Android Updates

Like any good technology company, Google is always working on
ways to improve its products. Such is the case with Android,
with Google releasing updates on this software once every
several months.

At the time of this writing, the latest update is
Marshmallow, which is easier to use, has better battery life,
and offers more customization with apps/interface.

All of this is important when playing online poker through
Android because you want smooth gameplay and minimal
disconnections.

Here’s a look at some important Android updates that have
been released over the years:

• Android 1.5 Cupcake – The first version of the Android
  OS.
• Android 3.2 Honeycomb – Launched on the Motorola Xoom,
  this is the first update that was created solely for tablets
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich – First OS that could run
  on both smartphones and tablets, negating the need for
  individuated updates.
• Android 6.0 Marshmallow – Launched on the Huawei Nexus 6P
  and LG Nexus 5X, this is the most recent update.
• Android 7.0 Nougat – Upcoming update that will be
  featured on the HTC ‘Marlin’ and ‘Sailfish’

How Do I Get Android Updates?

The more expensive Android mobile devices are eligible to
receive updates immediately after they’re released.

But regardless of the price or age of your phone, you’ll
eventually be notified of updates at the top of your screen.

After accepting an update, you’ll be asked to connect to WiFi
so that you avoid additional data charges. Considering that
updates can be large and time consuming, you stand the risk of
incurring fees by downloading through a mobile data connection.

Android Security

Android apps are offered through the Google Play Store, and
Google tests every app before it’s available for download. Any
app developer who violates Google’s terms can have their account
suspended or banned.

Even after you install an app and start using it, Android’s
built in software scans your phone/tablet to make sure that an
app isn’t harmful.

If an app shows any warning signs, you’ll be notified and
Google Play may can block it.

How to Play Android Poker

You have one of two options when you want to play Android
Texas holdem:

1. You can search for the desired poker app in the Google Play Store.
2. You can visit an online poker site through your smartphone or tablet, and you’ll be prompted to download the app there.

If you visit the Google Play Store, you can also type the
word ‘poker’ into the search engine to see what’s available.
This brings up a list of different poker apps, and each one will
let you know if the app is free or costs money.

Real money online poker sites always offer their apps for
free because they make money off the rake that you contribute.
Most other poker apps are free too since they earn revenue from
advertisements and by selling extra play money chips.

Once you find an app that you want, click on it to begin the
installation process.

Real Money Poker vs Social Poker

If you’re playing at a real money online poker site, you’ll
be prompted to create an account before you can start playing.
This requires details like your name, password, and email
address.

After you’ve created an account and verified your email, you
can start playing the free mode. If you want to play for real
money, you’ll have to choose one of the poker site’s available
banking methods and make a deposit.

You may not even need to download an app to start playing
because some real money poker sites offer in browser play.

If you’re downloading a social poker app, you’ll normally be
prompted to enter a credit card, PayPal address, or Verizon
billing to complete your account.

You’ll also be shown a list of what the app needs to access,
including your photos section, WiFi, device ID, and in app
purchases.

While most social poker apps don’t cost anything to play
initially, many tempt you with offers to purchase more chips and
embellishments for your avatar.

Social poker apps don’t allow you to win monetary prizes and
are solely meant for entertainment and playing with your
friends.

How to Find the Best Android Poker Apps

One of the easiest ways to find good Android Texas holdem
apps involves searching for poker apps, then looking at ratings
as you scroll down the list.

Each app will have a rating from 1 to 5 underneath the title.
Most apps are within the 4.0 to 5.0 range, but the less popular
ones have ratings of lower than 4.0.

You can also Google a specific app that you’re interested in
and read full length reviews to get a clearer picture. This is
recommended for anybody who wants to deposit on a real money
poker site or purchase chips from social apps.

Considering the large number of poker apps available today,
you won’t always find full length reviews. But it’s still worth
Googling any prospective app to find out more information.

Assuming you only want to use the ratings offered in the
Google Play Store, you can download apps, try them, and delete
or keep them.

What Non Poker Apps are Available for Android?

The types and number of Android apps available know no
bounds.

Some non-poker apps that you can find include book readers,
camera improvements, maps, music players, news alerts, photo
editors, social games, and many more options.

The Google Play Store offers a list of recommendations for
you near the top of their homepage. You can scroll down to see
the most popular apps in different categories too.

Benefits of Android Texas Holdem

The obvious benefit to playing Texas holdem through an
Android is convenience. This is especially true of smartphones
because they fit in your pocket and can quickly be accessed
anywhere at any time.

Although not pocket sized like smartphones, tablets are also
handy for when you want to play quick poker sessions.

Below you can see more benefits of playing Android Texas
holdem:

Detachment Is Easier

When you play poker on a PC or laptop, chances are that
you’re not just going to play a few hands here or there. Most
people play longer sessions when they sit down to a PC/laptop
because these options aren’t as easy to transport.

But with mobile gaming, you can play a few hands, put the
mobile device away, and do something else until you feel like
playing again.

Multi-Tasking with Your Smartphone

Most people perform multiple tasks on their smartphone every
hour, including making calls, using social media, texting, and
watching videos.

If you’re one of the many who are glued to their smartphone,
you’ll enjoy multi-tasking with your phone in between hands and
sessions.

Real Money Poker Sites Offer Special Mobile Bonuses

In hopes of encouraging more customers to download their app,
some real money poker rooms offer special bonuses for tablet and
smartphone players.

These often take the form of match deposit bonuses and/or
extra rewards points during designated hours.

Best Android Poker Apps

If you search for poker apps in the Google Play Store, you’ll
be presented with hundreds of options. This makes for a daunting
task if you’re only looking to play a few hands on a good app.

If you want a shortcut to get started, here are some of the
best and most popular poker apps for Android players.

888poker

888 has increased their online poker traffic over the years
by offering free money to new players. At the time of this
writing, you can get $88 free and upfront without having to make
a deposit.

Obviously this money isn’t really free because you must meet
wagering requirements to cash it out. But the free funds give
you a chance to try 888’s real money mobile site before making a
deposit.

888poker’s other rewards aren’t anything special, and the
rake is among the highest in the mobile poker industry.

But this is still a smooth running poker app that gives you a
chance to play in big tournaments and participate in frequent
promotions.

Appeak Poker

This is one of the simplest social poker apps that you’ll
find on the market. All you see is a table, small avatars,
cards, and a chat box.

Players who are tired of constant ads and over the top
backgrounds will appreciate this. But players who want to escape
from reality won’t be thrilled with the vanilla approach
featured in Appeak.

Benefits to Appeak Poker include a user friendly interface, a
large international player base, and minimal calls for you to
buy chips.

DH Texas Poker

This is a solid Texas holdem app for anybody who wants to
play for fun in a low pressure environment.

DH Texas Poker offers a variety of tables, including private
games with your friends, and high roller tables designed to make
you feel like a Vegas VIP.

You can also pick up daily rewards through your play and
start with free chips before having to buy anything.

Our only complaint is that there are times when you can’t
find an open tournament seat.

PokerStars

PokerStars is easily the world’s largest real money poker
site, making them the top destination if you want to play in big
tournaments and cash games.

They also offer lots of promotions, generous loyalty rewards,
customizable table features, and a huge selection of cash games.

The main downside to the PokerStars app is that it doesn’t
offer the fun environment that recreational players enjoy.
Instead, this is more a site for serious players, or those who
aspire to be successful players.

If you want to play real money poker, both PokerStars and 888
are excellent apps. But if you like fun avatars, cartoon like
graphics, and other frills, look for social poker apps.

Texas Holdem Poker Deluxe

This game started as a Facebook social game, then evolved
into a mobile app due to its popularity.

Texas Holdem Poker Deluxe offers lots of tables and
tournaments, daily rewards, customizable avatars, and live chat.
You won’t have trouble finding big tournaments either with this
app.

Our main complaint about Texas Holdem Poker Deluxe is that
its graphics and background don’t inspire much excitement.
Nevertheless, this app has a high rating on Google Play and
remains one of the top social poker games.

Texas Holdem Poker Offline 2

The original Texas Holdem Poker Offline did so well that it
spawned a sequel.

This series has major appeal because you can play it both
online and offline, with the latter being nice for when you’re
without WiFi.

Another perk to Texas Holdem Poker Offline 2 is that you can
multi table and get more hands in per hour.

Downsides to this app include occasional lag and no chat
function. These aren’t deal breakers, but the lack of chat will
bother players who love the social aspect of Android poker.

World Series of Poker

Few apps have better name recognition than World Series of
Poker, which represents the world’s largest live poker
tournament organization.

Designed by EA, World Series of Poker gives you a large
amount of free chips to get you started. You can win more chips
by playing in different WSOP stops, and you can also purchase
more chips – although this app isn’t pushy in this regard.

Texas holdem, Omaha, and pot limit Omaha cash games are
available, in addition to sit and go and tournament formats.

One feature that we really like is the ability to win virtual
WSOP gold bracelets and circuit rings. You even have the chance
to win a real WSOP prize package if you do extremely well.

Zynga Poker

Launched in 2007, Zynga Poker used its partnership with
Facebook to become the first highly successful social poker app.

Since this initial explosion, Zynga has had its ups and
downs, but this app still features over 100,000 players during
peak hours.

One advantage to Zynga is that you can either play through
your Facebook account or as a guest. If you’re one of the many
people with a Facebook account, this makes getting started with
Zynga Poker a quick process.

This is purely a Texas Holdem app, with tournament, sit and
go, Jump, and Shootout formats available.

Jump is a fast fold variant where you get a new hand
immediately after folding, rather than having to wait for a hand
to finish.

One problem with Zynga is that the interface feels cluttered
due to background embellishments and oversized avatars. But the
good news is that Zynga Poker has improved in this regard since
it used to be even more cluttered.

We also don’t like the frequent spam, including
advertisements and prompts to buy chips.

Despite the downsides, Zynga Poker remains a top app due to
the huge player base, established reputation, and action packed
Jump variant.

Conclusion

From serious real money action to lighthearted social gaming,
Android has something for every type of poker player.

888 and PokerStars are two of the leading apps for those who
live in countries where real money online poker is legal.

Appeak, DH Texas Holdem, Texas Holdem Poker Deluxe, Texas
Holdem Poker Offline, and Zynga are nice options for anybody who
just wants to have fun.

No matter what app you choose, the Android OS will further
your poker experience. Android offers good security, frequent OS
updates, and the user friendly Google Play Store.

Other advantages to playing Android Texas Holdem apps include
multi-tasking, easy detachment from poker sessions, and special
bonuses at real money sites.

Table Of Contents

What Is Texas Hold'em Poker?

Texas Hold'em is by far the most popular of all poker variations. All of the marquee tournaments around the world (including those played at the World Series of Poker, the World Poker Tour, the European Poker Tour, and elsewhere) feature the no-limit variation of this game. In fact, Texas hold'em is so popular some who aren't familiar with poker don't realize there are other ways to play the game.

It takes a moment to learn, but a lifetime to master.

Learning how to play Texas hold'em poker is not that difficult, but don't let the simplicity of the game mislead you. The number of possible game situations is so vast that the game can be very complex, when playing at a high level. That's the inspiration for the famous saying about Texas hold'em that 'it takes a moment to learn, but a lifetime to master.'

When playing the game for the first time, you will want to be familiar with the basic rules for Texas hold'em that are explained below.

Texas Hold'em Rules

So how do you play Texas hold'em? In Texas hold'em players are trying to make the best five-card poker hand according to traditional poker rankings. In this respect, hold'em is not unlike other poker games like five-card draw. However, the way players construct their hands in Texas hold'em is a little different than in draw poker.

It's always possible a player can 'bluff' and get others to fold better hands.

In hold'em each player is dealt two cards face down (the 'hole cards'), then over the course of subsequent rounds five more cards are eventually dealt face up in the middle of the table. These face up cards are called the 'community cards' because each player uses them to make a five-card poker hand.

The five community cards are dealt in three stages:
Stage 1: The first three community cards are called the 'flop.'
Stage 2' Then just one card is dealt, called the 'turn.'
Stage 3: Finally one more card, the fifth and final community card, is dealt — the 'river.'

Players construct their five-card poker hands using the best available five cards out of the seven total cards (the two hole cards and the five community cards). This can be done by using both of the hole cards in combination with three community cards, one hole card in combination with four community cardsm or no hole cards and playing all five community cards — whatever works to make the best five-card hand.

If the betting causes all but one player to fold, the lone remaining player wins the pot without having to show any cards. For that reason, players don't always have to hold the best hand to win the pot. It's always possible a player can 'bluff' and get others to fold better hands. If two or more players make it all of the way to the showdown after the last community card is dealt and all betting is complete, then the only way to win the pot is to have the highest-ranking five-card poker hand.

Let's get into some specifics including how to deal Texas hold'em and how the betting works. A good way to explain the order of play is to talk about some of the key positions at the table — the button and the blinds (small blind and big blind).

The Button

Play moves clockwise around the table, starting with action to the left of the dealer button. The button is a round disc that sits in front of a player and is rotated one seat to the left every hand. When playing in casinos and poker rooms, the player with the dealer button doesn't actually deal the cards (the poker room hires someone to do that). In home games with friends, though, the player with the button usually does deal the hands.

The button determines which player at the table is the acting dealer.

Generally, the first two players sitting to the immediate left of the button are required to post a small blind and a big blind to initiate the betting. From there, action occurs on multiple streets: preflop, the flop, the turn and the river (explained further below).

The button determines which player at the table is the acting dealer. In Texas hold'em, the player on button, or last active player closest to the button, receives last action on all postflop streets of play.

While the dealer button dictates which players have to post the small and big blinds, it also determines where the dealing of the cards begin. The player to the immediate left of the dealer button in the small blind receives the first card and then the dealer pitches cards around the table in a clockwise motion from player to player until each has received two starting cards.

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The Blinds

As mentioned, before every new hand, two players at the table are obligated to post small and big blinds. These are forced bets that begin the wagering. Without these blinds, the game would be very boring because no one would be required to put any money into the pot. Players could just wait around until they are dealt pocket aces and only play then. The blinds, however, ensure there will be 'action' on every hand.

In tournaments, the blinds are raised at regular intervals. In cash games, the blinds always stay the same.

In tournaments, the blinds are raised at regular intervals. As the number of players keeps decreasing and the stacks of the remaining players keep getting bigger, it is a necessity that the blinds keep increasing throughout a tournament. In cash games, the blinds always stay the same.

The player directly to the left of the button posts the small blind, and the player to his or her direct left posts the big blind. The small blind is generally half the amount of the big blind, although this stipulation varies from room to room and can also be dependent of the game being played. For example, in a '$1/$2' game of Texas hold'em, the small blind is $1 and the big blind is $2.

First Betting Round: Preflop

The first round of betting takes place right after each player has been dealt two hole cards. The first player to act is the player to the left of the big blind, a position referred to as 'under the gun' because the player has to act first. This player has three options:

• Call: match the amount of the big blind
• Raise: increase the bet within the specific limits of the game
• Fold: throw the hand away

If the player chooses to fold, he or she is no longer eligible to win the current hand.

Players can bet anywhere from the amount of the big blind (the minimum bet allowed) up to the total amount in the current pot.

The amount a player can raise to depends on the game that is being played. Most commonly in a game of no-limit Texas hold'em, the minimum opening raise must be at least twice the big blind, and the maximum raise can be all of the chips a player has in his or her stack (an 'all-in' bet).

There are other betting variations in hold'em poker. In fixed-limit hold'em (or just 'limit hold'em), a raise is always exactly twice the big blind. In pot-limit hold'em (played much less often than the other variations), players can bet anywhere from the amount of the big blind (the minimum bet allowed) up to the total amount in the current pot.

After the first player ('under the gun') acts, play proceeds in a clockwise fashion around the table with each player also having the same three options — to call, to raise, or fold. Once the last bet is called and the action is 'closed,' the preflop round is over and play moves on to the 'flop.'

Second Betting Round: The Flop

After the first preflop betting round has been completed, the first three community cards are dealt and a second betting round follows involving only the players who have not folded already.

A check simply means to pass the action to the next player in the hand.

In this betting round (and subsequent ones), action starts with the first active player to the left of the button. Along with the options to bet, call, fold, or raise, a player now has the option to 'check' if no betting action has occurred beforehand. A check simply means to pass the action to the next player in the hand.

Again betting continues until the last bet or raise has been called (which closes the action). It also can happen that every player simply chooses not to be and checks around the table, which also ends the betting round.

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Third Betting Round: The Turn

Call – match the amount of the big blind

The fourth community card, called the turn, is dealt face up following all betting action on the flop. Once this has been completed, another round of betting occurs, similar to that on the previous street of play. Again players have the option to options to check, bet, call, fold, or raise.

Final Betting Round: The River

Fold – throw the hand away

The fifth community card, called the river, is dealt face up following all betting action on the turn. Once this has been completed, another round of betting occurs, similar to what took play on the previous street of play. Once more the remaining players have the option to options to check, bet, call, fold, or raise.

After all betting action has been completed, the remaining players in the hand with hole cards now expose their holdings to determine a winner. This is called the showdown.

The Showdown

Players construct their hands by choosing the five best cards from the seven available

The remaining players open their hole cards, and with the assistance of the dealer a winning hand is determined. The player with the best combination of five cards wins the pot according to traditional poker hand rankings. These hand rankings aren't specifically part of Texas hold'em rules, but apply to many different poker games.

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• Royal Flush — five cards of the same suit, ranked ace through ten; e.g., A♥K♥Q♥J♥10♥
• Straight Flush — five cards of the same suit and consecutively ranked; e.g., 9♣8♣7♣6♣5♣
• Four of a Kind — four cards of the same rank; e.g., Q♣Q♥Q♦Q♠4♦
• Full House — three cards of the same rank and two more cards of the same rank; e.g., J♣J♥J♠8♦8♥
• Flush — any five cards of the same suit; e.g., A♠J♠8♠5♠2♠
• Straight — any five cards consecutively ranked; e.g., Q♣J♦10♥9♠8♦
• Three of a Kind — three cards of the same rank; e.g., 8♣8♠8♦K♣4♥
• Two Pair — two cards of the same rank and two more cards of the same rank; e.g., A♠A♣J♦J♣7♠
• One Pair — two cards of the same rank; e.g., 10♥10♣9♥4♦2♦
• High Card — five unmatched cards; e.g., A♣J♦10♠5♣2♥ would be called 'ace-high'

Remember, players construct their hands by choosing the five best cards from the seven available (their two hole cards and the five community cards).

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For example, if the board is showing 9♣5♠K♦3♠A♥, a player with the two hole cards 9♠ would have two pair (aces and nines), and would lose to a player who has 9♦9♥ for three of a kind (three nines).

Zynga Texas Holdem Poker

Learning hold'em poker begins with understanding how hands are dealt and the order of play as described above. Of course, learning Texas hold'em rules is just the beginning, as the next step is to learn strategy which involves understanding what constitutes good starting hand selection, the odds and probabilities associated with the game, the significance of position and getting to act last during those postflop betting rounds, and many other aspects of the game.