Texas Holdem Poker Rules
Texas Holdem is an increasingly popular game of poker that requires skill and strategy to be successful.
Texas holdem poker rules are very easy to understand. Here is a quick overview, you will find links to more information at the bottom of the page!
Hands are built with any combination of five community cards and two hole cards.
Pre-Flop
Before the cards are dealt, the player to the left of the dealer places into the pot a pre-determined forced bet called the "little blind." The next player to his left places into the pot the "big blind," which is twice the amount of the little blind.
The dealer then deals two cards face-down to each player. These are referred to as "pocket cards" or "hole cards." When all players have received their hole cards, each player looks at his cards, and has the option in turn to match the current bet (the amount of the big blind), fold without betting, or raise the bet.
If a player raises the bet, the next player must call (match the new bet) to continue in the hand. If a player decides not to call or raise the current bet, he must fold his hand. If no player raises the big blind, the player in that position may either check (not put more money in the pot) or raise.
Flop
After the first round of betting, the dealer burns the top card (places it aside face-down) and deals three cards face-up on the table. These face-up cards are called the "flop" (or "community cards").
Now each player has the advantage of considering the first three cards of the flop in addition to his hole cards. A new round of betting begins with the player to the left of the dealer.
Players still in the hand have the same betting options as in the pre-flop, in addition to the option to "check." A player checks when he does not want to bet, but wants to remain in the hand.
Turn and River
After bets are placed on the flop, the dealer burns another card and deals another community card. This fourth community cards is called the "turn." Another round of betting ensues.
The dealer next burns the top card of the deck and deals a fifth community card, known as the "river." One final round of betting begins.
Showdown
When all bets are placed, each player still in the hand must either show or "muck" his hand. When a player mucks a hand, he essentially concedes the pot without showing his hand. The best five-card poker hand wins the pot.
In-Depth Articles
About the closest you can come is the official poker rules put together by Bob Ciaffone. He originally drafted the rulebook for the Poker Players Association and has worked with several Las Vegas casinos in order to help them develop rules for gaming.
Poker Etiquette And How to Behave At The Poker Table
Learn how to behave at the poker table. If you're heading to the casino or to a homegame for the first time you'll need to take a look.
How do you play the game of texas holdem? In this article I go through the blinds, the button, the community cards and who wins.
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