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Why Hair Sprays Are a Must-Have for Every Hair Routine

When it comes to styling, hair sprays are often the unsung heroes of our beauty arsenal. Whether you are aiming for voluminous locks, a sleek finish or a textured look, hair spray can be your go-to solution. 

Here’s why hair sprays are essential for achieving and maintaining your desired hairstyle.

Easy Application All-Round

A significant advantage of a great hair spray is its ease of use. They can be quickly applied, making them a practical choice for busy mornings or last-minute styling adjustments. Simply hold the can at a distance and spray evenly across your hair for optimal results. With just a few sprays, you can transform your hairstyle from flat to fabulous.

There are many different types of hairspray out there, one for each occasion. Understanding the nuances between different options will play a large role in their effectiveness.

Versatile Styling Solutions

One of the primary reasons hair sprays are a must-have is their versatility. Different types of hair sprays cater to various styling needs. For instance, volume sprays are specifically designed to lift hair at the roots, giving it that sought-after fullness. If you’re looking to elevate your hairstyle without resorting to heavy products, a volume spray can add body and movement to your locks, making them appear thicker and more vibrant.

Finishing Touch

After spending time perfecting your hairstyle, the last thing you want is for it to fall flat. This is where finishing sprays come into play. These sprays provide a strong hold, ensuring your style remains intact throughout the day. A good finishing spray locks in your look, protecting it from humidity and environmental factors that can cause frizz and flyaways. Whether you’re heading to the office or a night out, a finishing spray can help maintain that freshly styled appearance.

Texturising Benefits

For those who crave a more effortless, beachy vibe, texturizing sprays are an absolute must. These sprays enhance your hair’s natural texture, creating a tousled look that’s both chic and laid-back. Texturizing sprays add grit and dimension to your hairstyle, allowing for that perfect “just-got-out-of-the-ocean” effect. They are ideal for creating soft waves or enhancing curls, giving your hair a lived-in feel without looking over-styled.

Spray Away

Incorporating hair sprays into your hair care routine is a game-changer. Their versatility allows you to achieve volume, maintain a polished finish, and create texture effortlessly. Whether you prefer a stronghold or a more natural look, there’s a hair spray tailored to your needs. By making hair sprays a staple in your styling routine, you’ll not only enhance your hairstyles but also enjoy long-lasting results that keep you looking your best all day long.

Chastity Belt Release New Song ‘That Guy’

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Chastity Belt have shared a new single, ‘That Guy’, their contribution to a split 7″ with Holy Wave arriving on February 7. It follows their latest album Live Laugh Love, which came out in March. Check it out below.

“We recorded this song in LA in November 2022 with a bunch of other songs that ended up on Live Laugh Love,” Julia Shapiro explained in a statement. “It didn’t quite make the cut, but I’m excited to release it now! I really love Lydia’s meandering lead guitar line. I remember her having so many different ideas of what she could do, and we were like, do them all! I wrote the lyrics after Chastity Belt had just come back from doing a bunch of touring, and I had to go back to normal life. It’s always a rough transition for me. I feel so alive on tour! There’s this one line in the song about this habit I have with music where, when I find a new song that I love, I listen to it on repeat until it no longer makes me feel anything. Like I’ve drained all the blood from it.”

Looking For A Car That’s Right For You? It Can Be Tough

Choosing a new car is something that you are going to have to do a few times in your lifetime. It’s important that each time you are choosing something that fits your lifestyle, fits you, and generally is able to provide you with what you need. More than that though, you want a car that can give you what you want, especially if you’re someone who’s interested in cars themselves.

The good news is that for those of you who don’t really know how to go about buying a new car properly, or even those of you who do but just want to hear a little advice, we’re here for you. Down below, we’re going to be discussing some of the different elements that you need to think about when buying a new car to lead you to the right decision. Have we got your attention? Good, let’s get started. 

Sort Out A Budget

The first thing that anyone needs to do when making a big purchase such as a car is sort out a budget. Your budget will help to determine quite literally everything from this point on because you’ve got to stick inside the confines that you have set yourself. You didn’t set it where it is for no reason, so you have to respect your own financial situation and buy a car that you can afford.

If you’re not happy with the kinds of cars that are available within your price range, you can always wait a little longer and save up a little more. It might not be ideal for you, and you might resent the fact that you have to wait, but really, what are you going to do? You have to be reasonable, even if you don’t want to be entirely practical with your purchase.

Type Of Car

Next thing we’re going to look at are the types of cars that you can buy. Now you need to think about how many people are going to be getting in this car on a regular basis before you can even think about what you want. The reason we say this is because it’s no use getting a 2 door, 2 seater car if you know that you have kids that you have to drive around. Unless, you want to get a separate car for that, but that’s something that you can take up with your budget. 

For example, you might decide that for your next car you want a sports car. You want something that can perform, something that can go fast, and something that makes you feel happy when you sit inside it. There’s nothing wrong with wanting this, and we actually think that this is an amazing choice for those people who love their cars. Do your research into the kind that you want though, as there are different cars that cater to different desires. Most cars can go fast, but they don’t all have what you need.

Interior Preferences

You’re also going to need to think about your interior preferences. When you sit in the car, are you more of a leather or fabric kind of person? What about the control panel that is usually in the center of the car? You need to think about what your preferences are before you actually get to a point where you can make a purchase. We know that some people don’t really care about the interior as long as they are comfortable, but for those who do care it is a big deal.

Take a look at different interiors of various cars and see which ones you find the most appealing. Of course, there may be some that don’t fit your normal style but that you love anyway, and these are definitely ones that you want to consider purchasing. We say this because if you are willing to step away from your usual type, that’s a big deal.

Space Needs

Have you sat down and thought about the space needs? This is a more practical side of car buying that’s slightly less exciting but still needs to be done. You can’t just purchase a car and not think about your practical needs because you were blinded by your likes and wants. You need to think about the number of people that are going to be getting into your vehicle on a regular basis, whether the back is big enough to accommodate all of them, the amount of trunk space that a car has and so much more. 

Of course if it’s just you and you only have a few items that you want to ferry around regularly then there’s not really a massive problem when it comes to space. You can buy pretty much anything that you want which is an amazing feeling. But, sadly this is not the reality for most people, and instead you’re going to have to think about leg room behind you, how much you can fit in the trunk and so much more. So, make sure that you do.

Make Your Own Modifications

If you love cars, then you will know all about making modifications to whatever car you buy, and this is a massive advantage. This means that no matter what you end up purchasing, you can do whatever you want to make it better and make it perform better. There are plenty of ways that you can do this to most cars, and if you want some more advice on the specific type that you end up purchasing, then there are more than enough guides online to help you.

Let’s look at an example, shall we? If you want to add some more horsepower to your vehicle, then you need to look at what your options are. A great choice would be to use a downpipe to reduce exhaust backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe more freely than before. That’s just one example, we’re sure there are plenty more.

Safety Measures

Of course, you have to look at safety before you purchase anything. You need to ensure the brakes are working, you need to look at what other safety measures a vehicle has and decide if this is right for you. Most modern cars are equipped with things like collision warnings, rear cameras for reversing, lane keeping, cruise control and so much more to ensure the safest drive possible. Safety is not something that you should overlook or take for granted, because it’s an essential part of trusting your car.

Always always always test drive a car before you purchase. This way you can test out the safety features, but more than this you can ensure that it’s a smooth, comfortable ride that will suit you for a long time to come. If you don’t do this, you only have yourself to blame when the car turns out to not be what you wanted.

Hopefully, you have found this article useful, and now know some of the things that you should be thinking about when it comes to choosing a car that’s right for you. There are so many considerations, and if you’re more of a petrol head than not then you should already know what you’re looking for. But, for the average person it can be tough to determine what constitutes the right car, and making a decision can be tough. Use the guide above to help you, and you should be able to choose a car that you adore for your next! We wish you the very best of luck with this.

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard Announce Orchestral Tour, Share New Song ‘Phantom Island’

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King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have announced a 2025 US tour where they will be led by conductor and music director Sarah Hicks and backed by a different 28-piece orchestra in each city. To accompany the news, they’ve shared a new single called ‘Phantom Island’. Check it out and find the list of dates below.

King Gizzard released their most recent LP, Flight b741, in August. In a statement, the band’s Stu Mackenzie said: “Hello world. So our last album was 10 songs. Except we recorded 20 in that session. Here’s a track from the other set of 10. It’s even more maxxed out than the last one. There’s a whole fuckin’ orchestra on there. Hahahahahah! But for real, what a joy to be alive. A privilege to be making music for a living and to be here still after all these years. If you’ve been listening to Gizz for a long time, thank you. We love you so much. If you’re just tuning in, welcome to the cult.”

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard 2024-2025 Tour Dates:

Fri Nov 1 – Inglewood, CA – The Kia Forum * @
Sat Nov 2 – San Diego, CA – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park ^ @ [SOLD OUT]
Sun Nov 3 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre # [SOLD OUT]
Mon Nov. 4 – Stanford, CA – Frost Amphitheater at Stanford #
Wed Nov 6 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom $ [SOLD OUT]
Fri Nov 8 – Las Vegas, NV – PH Live @
Sat Nov 9 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre #
Sun Nov 10 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment #
Tue Nov 12 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion #
Wed Nov 13 – Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live # [SOLD OUT]
Fri Nov 15 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater *#
Sat Nov 16 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall #
Sun Nov 17 – New Orleans, LA – Mardi Gras World #
Tue Nov 19 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre Atlanta # [SOLD OUT]
Wed Nov 20 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre # [SOLD OUT]
Thu Nov 21 – Miami, FL – Factory Town #
Sun May 18 – Tue May 20 – Lisbon, PT – Coliseu do Recreios
Fri May 23 – Sun May 25 – Barcelona, ES – Poble Espanyol
Thu May 29 – Sat May 31 – Vilnius, LT – Lukiškės Prison 2.0
Wed Jun 4 – Fri June 6 – Athens, GR – Lycabettus Theatre City of Athens
Sun Jun 8 – Tue June 10 – Plovdiv, BG – Ancient Theatre
Mon Jul 28 – Philadelphia PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann (w/ The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia)
Wed Jul 30 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl (w/ Orchestra of St. Luke’s)
Fri Aug 1 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium (w/ Orchestra of St. Luke’s)
Sat Aug 2 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium %
Mon Aug 4 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion (w/ National Symphony Orchestra)
Wed Aug 6 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia Festival (w/ Chicago Philharmonic)
Fri Aug 8 – Colorado Springs, CO – Ford Amphitheater (w/ Colorado Symphony)
Mon Aug 11 – San Diego, CA – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park (w/ San Diego Symphony Orchestra)
Fri Aug 15 – Sun Aug 17 – Buena Vista, CO – FIELD OF VISION at Meadow Creek %

* 3-HOUR MARATHON SET
^ ACOUSTIC SET
$ SILVER CORD IN FULL EXPERIMENTAL RAVE SET W/ BULLANT
@ w/ KING STINGRAY, DJ Crenshaw
# w/ KING STINGRAY
% “ROCK ‘N’ ROLL” SHOW

Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry Details Debut Solo Album ‘Vicious Creature’, Shares New Single

Chvrches singer Lauren Mayberry has shared the details of her debut solo album, Vicious Creature. It arrives on December 6, and the new single ‘Crocodile Tears’ is out now. Check it out and find the album’s cover art and tracklist below.

‘Crocodile Tears’ follows the previously released tracks ‘Are You Awake?’, ‘Shame’, ‘Change Shapes’, and ‘Something in the Air’. Mayberry wrote the song with Matthew Koma and Ethan Gruska, wanting to adopt “a sort of character where I could really let go of the idea that I need to be ‘nice,’ because I think that holds so many women back in their lives. If I didn’t have to be seen as ‘nice,’ I would feel comfortable telling certain people to fuck off when they treat me like shit – on this record, and in these songs, I get to do.”

Mayberry worked with producers including Greg Kurstin, Matthew Korma, Tobias Jesso Jr., Gruska, and Dan McDougall on the LP. “So much of this process has been an exercise in empowering myself to listen to my own intuition – something I really trained myself out of,” Mayberry said. “That’s ultimately why you start making things – because you felt a feeling, and you wanted to articulate that somehow. I think it was important for me to relearn that kind of independence, and recognize what I bring to any table I choose to sit at.”

Vicious Creature Cover Artwork:

Vicious Creature Tracklist:

1. Something in the Air
2. Crocodile Tears
3. Shame
4. Anywhere But Dancing
5. Punch Drunk
6. Oh, Mother
7. Sorry, Etc
8. Change Shapes
9. Mantra
10. A Work of Fiction
11. Sunday Best
12. Are You Awake

When We Were Young 2025 Lineup: Panic! at the Disco, blink-182, Weezer, and More

When We Were Young has announced the lineup for its 2025 edition, which takes place on Saturday, October 18 at Las Vegas Festival Grounds. The emo nostalgia fest will feature Blink-182, Weezer, and a one-off performance from Panic! at the Disco playing their debut album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out in full for its 20th anniversary.

In January 2023, Brendan Urie announced that the band would be “be no more,” and, according to a press release, WWWY ’25 will be the “only chance” to see them live. The rest of the festival will also feature performances from Avril Lavigne, the Offspring, the Used, All Time Low, Knocked Loose, Yellowcard, Simple Plan, Taking Back Sunday, Never Shout Never, the Cab, the Rocket Summer, Jack’s Mannequin, and more. Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 1 here.

Grimes Joins Magdalena Bay on New Remix of ‘Image’

Magdalena Bay have teamed up with Grimes for a new remix of ‘Image’, a standout from the duo’s sophomore album Imaginal Disk. Check it out below.

Grimes, in the third person, had this to say about the remix: “While recently under house arrest for illegally creating a super species of extremely large naked guinea pigs, Grimes is tentatively returning to music with a few remixes. This one seems extra good tho.”

“What she said,” Magdalena Bay added.

Revisit our Artist Spotlight interview with Magdalena Bay. 

A comprehensive review of online casino slots

Online casino slots have become the dominant form of digital entertainment, offering a unique combination of excitement and engagement. The combination of vivid graphics, engaging storylines and the possibility of significant prizes has contributed to the global popularity of these games, which attract millions of players around the world. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanics, features and strategic elements of online casino slots can greatly enrich a player’s experience. 

What are online casino slots?

Online casino slots are virtual adaptations of traditional slot machines that are commonly found in physical casinos. Digital games utilize a random number generator (RNG) to guarantee both fair and unpredictable results. Players spin the reels with the goal of assembling symbols into combinations that are considered winning. These combinations often result in payouts that are based on predetermined odds.

Online casino slots: Overview of the varieties available

The online casino slot machine market is characterized by a variety of products, each designed to cater to the specific preferences of a certain demographic of players. The main types are as follows:

Classic slots

Classic slots, often referred to as ‘fruit machines’, have three reels and traditional symbols such as fruit, bells and lucky sevens. These games are relatively simple, making them a great choice for beginners. These games typically offer a limited number of paylines and simple gameplay mechanics, emphasizing nostalgic appeal and simplicity.

Video Slots

Video slots have become a dominant force in the online casino industry. These games with five or more reels offer a variety of themes, cutting-edge graphics and animations. Players can encounter a variety of exciting features including wild symbols, scatter symbols and free spins rounds that bring added complexity and fun. These games can have multiple paylines, often exceeding a thousand, which contributes to a wider potential for winning outcomes.

Progressive Jackpot Slots

Progressive jackpot slots are an attractive option for those looking to win significant amounts of money that can make a big difference. A modest percentage of each bet is allocated to a central jackpot, which continues to accumulate until one lucky player hits a winning combination. Such slots can feature significant payouts, reaching millions of dollars, which contributes to their popularity among those seeking excitement.

Three-dimensional slots

Three-dimensional slots utilize sophisticated graphics technology to create an immersive gaming experience. These games often include compelling storylines and intricate animations to increase player engagement. The combination of visual appeal and interactive features makes 3D slots a popular choice among experienced players.

Slots functionality in online casinos

For players who want to optimize their gaming experience, it is important to understand how online casino slots function. The following is a detailed analysis of the main elements:

  • Random Number Generator (RNG)

The Random Number Generator (RNG) is a fundamental component of online slots that ensures the integrity and fairness of the gaming experience. Random Number Generator (RNG) gives a sequence of numbers in random order, thereby determining the result of each spin. This technology ensures the independence of each spin, eliminating the possibility of predicting the result based on previous results.

  • Paylines and bet types

In online slots, players are usually able to choose from a variety of bet types and paylines that determine the number of winning combinations that can be formed. Players can usually change the number of active paylines and the amount of bet per line. A full understanding of the paylines and bet types is very important as they have a significant impact on the possibility of winning.

  • Return to Player (RTP)

In the context of gaming, RTP is defined as the average payout a slot machine offers to players over time. To illustrate, a slot machine with an RTP of 95% returns, on average, 95 units of currency for every 100 units wagered. In general, a higher RTP percentage indicates a greater long-term potential for players to win.

Strategies for playing online casino slots

Although online slots are primarily games of chance, players can utilize a variety of strategies to improve their experience.

  • It is recommended to choose slots with a higher RTP (return to player) percentage, as this can increase the likelihood of long-term winnings. Players are advised to do their research and identify games that are known for favorable payout ratios.
  • It is very important to understand the inherent features of a particular slot game. The presence of elements such as wilds, scatters and bonus rounds can significantly affect the overall gameplay. Players are advised to familiarize themselves with the rules and payout table of a particular game to fully understand how to optimize their potential winnings.
  • It is crucial to determine a budget before engaging in gambling. This is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a responsible gambling attitude. It is the player’s responsibility to determine the amount of capital they are willing to spend and stick to that limit to ensure that it is not exceeded.
  • It is advisable to take advantage of bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos, as they can help increase the player’s financial resources. Effective utilization of these offers can prolong the gameplay and increase the probability of winning.

Critically analyze common myths about slots at online casinos

Over time, a number of myths about online slots have gained widespread popularity. Understanding the veracity of these misconceptions can help players make informed decisions.

  • Myth 1: The assumption of “hot” and “cold” slots A common belief among players is that slot machines experience fluctuating performance, exhibiting either periods of high activity or periods of low activity. In fact, the outcome of each spin is determined randomly, and the outcome of one spin does not affect the outcome of the next.
  • Myth 2: It is commonly believed that betting the maximum amount increases the probability of winning. While betting the maximum amount provides access to higher payouts, it does not necessarily increase the probability of winning. It is recommended that players gamble according to their financial capacity and personal comfort level.
  • Myth 3: Slot machines are not randomly generated It is wrong to believe that online casinos are inherently untrustworthy. Indeed, reputable casinos operate under strict rules and utilize RNG technology, thus ensuring fair play. Players are advised to choose only those online casinos that are licensed and regulated.

In conclusion, online casino slots provide a dynamic and exciting gaming experience for players all over the world. The variety of games available, their exciting features and the possibility of significant prizes continue to attract players. By understanding the basic principles of these games, the importance of RNG and RTP, and utilizing effective strategies, players can enhance their online slots gaming experience. Online slots offer entertainment and winning opportunities to players of all experience levels.

How to find your perfect entertainment

Online casinos offer a huge variety of games, which can make the choice difficult for beginners and experienced players. To enjoy gambling and increase your chances of winning, it is important to know the rules for choosing Online Casino Games. Do not forget about your preferences. 

Researching the range of games

The first step in choosing an online casino is to examine the range of games offered by the platform. Different casinos may have different sets of games including slots, card games, table games and live dealer games. Before you sign up, check out the catalog of games and choose the ones that interest you. This will help you avoid disappointment later on.

Variety of game genres

Online casinos offer games in a variety of genres, which makes the selection process more fun. You can find classic slots, video slots, poker, roulette, blackjack and many other games.

If you are a beginner, start with simple games like slots to familiarize yourself with the rules and mechanics. More experienced players can try their hand at strategic games such as poker or blackjack, where it’s not just luck but skill that counts.

Familiarizing yourself with the rules of the game

Before you delve into the world of online casinos and start trying your luck, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules of your chosen game. Each has its own chips, strategies and rules that can have a strong influence on the outcome of your game.

Usually on casino sites you can find a section with a detailed description of the rules of the selected games, as well as educational materials that will help you better understand their mechanics.

Don’t forget that if you are a beginner, the best and safest practice is to start by playing in demo mode to understand its features and operation without risking your money.

Analyze the return to the player

An important criterion when choosing an online casino is the return to player (RTP). This indicator shows the percentage that is returned to players in the form of winnings from the total amount of bets. The higher the RTP, the higher the likelihood of long-term success. When choosing games, it is worth paying attention to the RTP indicator, which should be at least 95%. This will increase your chances of winning. Information about RTP can be found in the game description or on the casino website.

Consider the volatility of the games

Volatility is another important aspect to consider when choosing online casino games. Games with high volatility can bring bigger wins but less frequent, while games with low volatility provide more frequent but smaller wins.

Determine which style of play you prefer: if you want to take risks for big wins, go for high volatility games. If you prefer a more stable gameplay, opt for low volatility games.

Choose a reliable provider

The quality of the games also depends on the software provider. There are many reputed providers in the market such as NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech and others that offer high quality and safe games.

Before you start playing, find out which providers are present in online casinos and choose games from reliable developers. This will help you avoid quality issues and ensure the fairness of the gaming experience.

Demo games

Many web sites that offer the opportunity to play casino games online offer their users to test the games in demo mode. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the games before you start playing for real money.

Demos provide an opportunity to evaluate the game mechanics, visual and sound effects, and see if the game suits your taste. Remember to use this tool to make an informed choice and avoid unnecessary risks.

Explore bonuses and promotions

Online casinos often offer various bonuses and promotions that can influence your choice of games. Some bonuses may only be available for certain games, so familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the promotions before you start playing.

For example, welcome bonuses may be used for slots games, while other bonuses may be for card games. Keep these points in mind when choosing games to maximize the opportunities on offer.

Social aspect of the games

Some online casinos offer live dealer games that allow players to interact with each other and the dealer in real time. This adds an element of social play and can make your experience more engaging. If you enjoy socializing with other players, check out this category of games. It can also help you develop your skills and strategies in games.

Consider your preferences and strategies

When choosing online casino games, it is important to consider your personal preferences and strategies. Think about what games you like the most and choose the ones that fit your playing style. If you prefer risky betting, try poker or blackjack. If you like more relaxed games, choose slots. It’s important to enjoy the process and have fun with the game.

Responsible Gaming

Finally, always remember the principles of responsible gambling. Set limits on the time and money you are willing to spend on gambling. This will help you avoid gambling problems and keep your gambling experience positive. If you feel that gambling is becoming a problem, don’t hesitate to ask for help or use the self-exclusion feature.

Online casinos offer a wide range of different games, from simple slots to complex table games. In order to choose the right entertainment, it is important to first of all study the rules and familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the game. This will help you understand how interesting and suitable the game is for you.

Choose games that are really interesting and bring you pleasure. And do not forget about the principles of responsible gaming: limit your time and budget, do not pursue only material gain.

From novice to expert: Your online poker journey

While many people dream of becoming a successful poker player that consistently achieves big wins, in reality, becoming skilled at poker requires a serious amount of dedication and strategy development. Few people are able to make it to expert level, but those that do have put in the graft and developed their skills with lots of practice.

Traditional poker is still enjoyed in casinos all around the world, however online poker has taken over as the most popular form of the game. Millions of people worldwide play games of online poker, in-browser or via apps, with hopes of winning bets and having fun.

If you are new to the game and wondering what it takes to reach a professional level, you might be struggling with where to start.

That’s why we have put together this comprehensive gaming guide to reaching your poker goals. It includes the main rules to learn, how to create your own strategy for success, the value of experience and some tips for when you reach an advanced level. If you’re unsure about any poker terminology mentioned, this reference guide on Global Poker Academy is a useful resource.

Main rules of poker

To begin with the basics of the game, most poker games are played using a standard 52 pack of playing cards. Each card is ranked, from high to low and Ace is usually high. A hand is made up of five cards and generally, the highest hand wins the game.

Hand ranking

High card

When none of the below hands are formed, the hand is ranked by the single highest card. It is one of the most common hands but is unlikely to win a showdown.

Pair

Two cards of equal value combined with three other cards. The highest pair wins.

Two pair

Two different numeric pairs and one unrelated, unpaired card. The winner is the highest pair, if they match then the winner is the one with the highest value second pair.

Three of a kind

Three cards of the same value followed by two cards of other values. This is a good hand to have. When multiple hands have three of a kind, the highest value wins.

Straight

Five cards with consecutive numerical values.

Flush

Five cards of the same suit. The strength of the flush is determined by its highest valued card.

Full house

Three of a kind and a pair, this is a strong hand.

Four of a kind

Four cards of the same value, this is a very strong hand.

Straight flush

Five cards from the same suit but they don’t have to be the ace, king, queen, jack and ten.

Royal flush

The best hand. It consists of the ace, king, queen, jack and ten, all of the same suit.

Betting

When betting in poker you have three choices – call, raise or fold. To call means to bet enough to match the amount bet since the last time that you placed a bet.

Whereas, raising involves calling and then betting another (higher) amount. And finally, folding is when you drop out of the current hand.

Creating a personal strategy

Starting hands

You should not aim to play every hand that the dealer gives you. Instead, you should fold a lot of your hands and be able to choose which is best to play. To develop a strategy for effective starting hands, first ensure that you understand hand descriptions.

You might want to take a look at a starting hands chart in order to understand how to form a winning strategy.

Bankroll management

Using your bankroll effectively is essential for sustainable poker play and enjoying the game. It can be a good idea to start off with betting in small amounts and then increasing your bet sizes as you become a more confident poker player. Something great about online poker is that minimum bet sizes are often lower than land based casinos.

Be aware that tournaments can have buy-ins and you will usually need to bet more than you would in regular poker games.

The value of experience

Becoming a good poker player takes time as it is essential that you build up experience. Professional poker players spend a significant amount of time between games analysing their gameplay and looking at each move they made. They are able to identify their mistakes and learn from both victories and defeats.

Advanced tips

As you become a more experienced poker player, you should have a look into bluffing strategies and learn about how to effectively read your opponents. This will enable you to identify when they are trying to deceive you can give you more information to use when making betting decisions.

You should also look at adjusting play styles to enhance competitiveness, particularly when playing in higher stakes games.

Using the advice above and through trial and error, with the right amount of practice and dedication you can develop into a expert poker player.