Ever since online poker has become such a popular game, a multitude of software programs have popped up that promise to help you win by cheating or by seeing your opponents hole cards. In order to answer the question, can you see your opponents hole cards, you must first understand a little about how the poker client works and how probable it is to view what other players are holding.

First, the software used by every major pokersite online is a secure system in which the cards are usually served from a separate server as the poker client itself. What that means is while the poker client’s server send you the table information, players names and their actions, a completely different server sends the card data to each player.

There are two separate send requests in online poker, one being a private send and the other being a public send. The private information is visible only to you, while the public information is available to all players. The private information, (such as your hole cards), is accomplished by the secure server sending what is known as a packet directly to your computer.

Secure Packets

The secure packet can only be opened and deciphered by a key embedded in your client software and at your computer. Even if a program were able to intercept the packet, it would NOT be able to decipher the contents unless it had your embedded key as well.

What that means is if a software program claims it can see opponents hole cards, it would need to have every key of every player (Which is embedded on YOUR computer and created when you downloaded the software). This is much like a unique identifier, which allows the packet to be deciphered, revealing your hole cards only to you.

Way Too Valuable to Sell

Secondly, if a program did exist that could see hole cards of other players, it would quickly be circumvented by the poker clients and without much delay rendered useless. Furthermore, if a program existed, it is highly doubtful that anyone would be interested in selling it, as it would be more lucrative to use than to sell.

Although there are plenty of good programs out there that will help you win at online poker; it is better to avoid any with ridiculous claims such as seeing hole cards. Stick to programs that show sound strategy, and how to use the software of the poker client to your advantage.

Real Poker Strategy

So the next time you see a claim that you can view your opponent’s hole cards in online poker, avoid it as nothing more than a marketing trick. To truly find ways to win at online poker, invest in studying poker strategy and learning more about how the software works.

By: Paul Westin

About the Author:

Don’t Get Cheated Playing Online Poker! Play at Doyle’s Room Without Fear of Getting Ripped Off!!