It's been a while now since I last posted something on this blog and I realised that it was mostly because things happen, life happens and you end up struggling with other priorities. This does not mean I have slowed down playing card games but rather that I have not been able to do so with the frequency I could afford in the past.
What I have noticed however is that when time becomes a luxury you tend to focus more on a handful of games you know and love rather than seek out new games to try out. For instance lately I have rediscovered Uno and I have played it with some frequency thanks mostly to an android app I downloaded.
Uno is a game that is very simple to learn and yet it offers some intriguing game play. Additionally over the years its standard rule set has evolved to include new regulations that increase the excitement and enjoyment of the game. If you haven't played Uno in some time then I would suggest you grab a deck and take it for a spin or two.
Uno Rules and tips here
Another game I have played recently is Gin Rummy. This is perhaps the only Rummy variation I really love and enjoy. The only downside to this game is that it is designed as a two-player game. I have found variations for more players but then the game stops being Gin.
Yet the one game I play above all others is most definitely online Texas Holdem poker. I have two preferred platforms Pokerstars and PKR. Pokerstars offers one of the best and cleanest interfaces which allows you to further customise it to suite your own tastes. You also get an Android app, so you can play on your tablet with equal ease. PKR has a lavish 3D environment which takes the game in a whole new direction. You can fully customise your Avatar to make him resemble yourself as well as clothe him to mimic your personal style. The in game animations are great and the cards are easy to read and follow.
Both Pokerstars and PKR have easy betting shortcuts that simplify such actions as betting, raising and re-raising. You'll find Sharks and Fish on both platforms but Pokerstars tends to have a higher proportion of good players in my opinion.
If you decide to give PKR a go be warned that you need a good PC with a decent graphics card or you will not enjoy what the game can really offer. Pokerstars is less demanding on your hardware but is more of an essential platform geared for the players who don't want clutter around the screen when they play.
Speaking of clutter, the platform that trumps all others in terms of shear clutter and what I call "noise" is Zynga poker. This platform is horrific in the amount of clutter thrown at the players with blinking icons, mini games and special offers. Keeping track of your game can indeed prove challenging but still many Facebook users play Zynga poker, maybe because it was the first out there and they have remained loyal to it over time. Personally I have nothing against placing adverts or offers in say the gaming lobby of a poker platform but once in a hand these should be kept to an absolute minimum. I mean if you are moderately serious about playing a decent game you don't want to be distracted with annoying ads, especially if you happen to be deciding whether to fold or go all-in.
That is all for now, hope to be able to get back soon with a new card deck review.
posted from Bloggeroid
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