What the heck is RbPkr?
RbPkr is a Home Poker Game Tool
Its primary goal is to save time spent between hands shuffling and dealing cards, so players can see more hands and maybe, just maybe, play better Poker, too.
Ok, I created a game. Now what?
Share the game code with your friends, or better yet, have them scan the QR code directly from their devices.
The game manager is the only player who can advance Each Hand
They can also do the following:
Assign the Dealer Button
Use the ✪ icon to assign the dealer button to a specific player in the game. The dealer button automatically moves clockwise after each hand and helps indicate which player is the dealer as well as who is in the Blinds.
Change the Ordering of Players
Use the ↗ and ↘ icons to move players up and down in the order of play. This is useful if your game doesn't have assigned seating or if folks have to change seats for whatever reason.
Removing Players
Use the × icon to remove a player from the game. This is useful if someone needs to leave early or if you're hosting a tournament and folks are knocked out.
Getting Started
Why do I need to sign up?
We know it adds a bit of friction, but accounts help us prevent abuse and let you rejoin games easily if you close your browser. Earlier versions were anonymous, but this approach works better for keeping games running smoothly. The good news: you only need to sign up once, and password managers handle it well.
Do I need to download an app?
Nope! RbPkr is entirely web-based. Just open your phone's browser, scan the QR code, and you're in. No app store, no installation, no updates to worry about.
Can I password protect my game?
Yes! When creating a game, you can set an optional password. Anyone joining will need to enter it before they can see their cards. Great for keeping randos out of your home game.
Playing the Game
How do I view my cards?
Drag your cards downward to peek at them, just like you would at a real table. While peeking, you'll also see your best possible hand (pair, flush, etc.) based on the community cards. Release to hide them again.
How do I fold?
Swipe your cards upward with some velocity to fold, or tap the fold button if you prefer. Once you fold, your cards are gone for that hand and you'll see a "Folded" message until the next deal.
How does "Draw for Button" work?
When the manager clicks "Draw for Button," each player automatically draws one card from a freshly washed deck. The player with the highest card gets the dealer button. Ties are broken by suit (spades > hearts > diamonds > clubs). After that, the button rotates clockwise each hand automatically.
How many players can join?
Up to 10 players can join a single game, just like a full-ring table at a casino.
Technical Questions
Is the shuffle truly random?
The deck is shuffled using a simulation of real casino techniques: 4-6 riffle shuffles interleaved with box shuffles, plus a "wash" before drawing for the button. It uses Ruby's cryptographically-seeded random number generator. Is it as random as a physical shuffle? Probably more so, honestly.
What if someone loses connection?
No worries. Your phone polls the server every few seconds to stay in sync. If you lose connection and reconnect, you'll automatically catch up to the current game state. Your hole cards are stored on the server, not your device.
Is there dark mode?
Yes! RbPkr follows your device's system preferences. If your phone or tablet is set to dark mode, RbPkr will automatically display in dark mode too.
Limits & Pricing
What's the hand limit?
Each game starts with 50 free hands, which is usually enough for an hour or two of casual play. When you're running low, you can either start a new game or purchase 1,000 hands for a modest fee. This helps to cover server costs as well as future development efforts. As an added incentive, making a purchase will keep the room code active for the forseeable future, enabling you and your players to easily jump back in for a recurring game night!
What games are supported?
Currently, RbPkr only supports No-Limit Texas Hold'em.
Can I use this for online/remote play?
RbPkr is designed for in-person home games where everyone is at the same table. The manager's screen shows community cards that everyone needs to see, and betting happens with physical chips. For entirely remote poker home games, consider Poker TH.