IRC poker

IRC poker refers to playing poker games through the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) protocol. Instead of dedicated poker software with graphical interfaces, players use text-based commands within an IRC channel to participate in the game.

Gameplay:

The game's logic and rules are typically managed by a bot or a series of scripts within the IRC channel. Players use specific commands to perform actions such as:

• Joining the game
• Placing bets (e.g., /bet 10)
• Calling (e.g., /call)
• Raising (e.g., /raise 5)
• Folding (e.g., /fold)
• Checking (e.g., /check)

The bot displays information about the game state, including the current pot size, the community cards (in games like Texas Hold'em), and each player's actions.

Characteristics:

IRC poker predates the widespread availability of online poker platforms with sophisticated graphical interfaces. As such, it is characterized by:

• Text-Based Interface: Reliance on text commands for all interaction.
• Bot-Driven Logic: Dependence on bots to manage the game mechanics.
• Simple Graphics (or None): Little or no graphical representation of the cards or the game table.
• Community-Oriented: Often played within established IRC communities, fostering a sense of social interaction.
• Slower Pace: Compared to modern online poker, the gameplay tends to be slower due to the text-based interface.

History:

IRC poker emerged in the early days of the internet as a way for enthusiasts to play poker remotely using the existing IRC infrastructure. While less common today due to the availability of feature-rich online poker platforms, it retains a niche following, particularly within communities that value its simplicity and community aspect. It also served as a foundational element for the development of future online poker systems.