The recognition of poker as the card game of choice has oftentimes been related to online gaming. Many home gamers and poker puritans will probably disagree, but history will tell us that the unprecedented spike of the card game’s popularity through the 21st century is largely as a result of its introduction online.

Keep in mind, some may argue that the invention of the hole-card camera has given poker an elite status as it has turned the game into a spectator sport. This innovation has allowed millions of poker aficionados worldwide to follow the action and drama of all of it, giving birth to a more exciting broadcast of the World Series of Poker and also the World Poker Tour. Poker pros have become instant celebrities, because of cable and satellite TV.

As a result of the increasing fame of poker, increasingly more people are getting into the hype, which is just not about to fade over the following decade. Home games have become more and more popular and poker tournaments abound. And also to add fuel to this worldwide phenomenon, poker has been made available online. Fundamentally, virtually anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can play poker to their hearts desire.

As a testament to the success of online poker, major tournaments have practically increased player base with the introduction of online satellite-qualifier games, with the winner earning a seat into a major tourney. Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer, winners of the 2003 and 2004 WSOP tournaments respectively, won their seats online through satellites.

This brings us again to the great debate now brewing in the poker community: online poker vs. offline poker?

The debate need not be as contentious as it may sound, as each of the gaming arena offers something advantageous over another without really putting one down.

Online poker is played the same way as offline poker. The guidelines are the same for every sort of poker game like Texas Hold’em, Stud, or Draw poker. Some will claim that offline poker might be more exciting, as the opponents meet eye to eye. It is here in which you can easily see another player’s “tells,” if his hands tremble when he has a big hand or maybe if his nose twitches if he bluffs. You may stare down an opponent in offline poker, and look good doing it like just what the pros do.

They are the things you’re not able to do online. You don’t see the additional players. You do not get to observe their “tells.” All you may do is watch how they bet and find out if you’re able to predict their betting patterns.

In contrast, online poker has its advantages. Not everyone owns a poker table and an otherwise expensive chip set. The poker web pages will provide that for you, all you need to do is download the platform. You should not have to waste time and effort organizing a home game, as you’ll find players online ready to take you on practically anytime of the day. You can play with a German player or anyone who has an internet access anywhere on the globe. You can play with real money or just have fun playing online poker without it. What is more, most poker sites will give you free money to play with without even asking for a deposit, which means you may actually bankroll your poker profession without spending a single penny online.

And also the odds are the same. The rules are the same. And also the players are exactly the same. Online poker has just made it easier that you can experience the best card game on the planet.