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Texas Hold'em takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to
master...
1. The betting structure can vary. Sometimes
antes are used, but most games start with two players to the
left of the dealer placing out a predetermined amount of money
so there is an initial amount to get things started. This
is called posting the blinds. Two "Blind" bets are
put up or "Posted." The player immediately to the
left of the dealer puts up or "posts" the small
blind which is half the minimum bet. The player to the left
of the small blind posts the big blind which is equal to the
minimum bet . The rest of the players do not put up any money
to start the hand. Because the deal rotates around the table,
each player will eventually act as the big blind, small blind
and dealer.
2. The dealer shuffles up 1 complete deck of
52 playing cards.
3. Each player is dealt two cards face down.
These are called your "hole" or "pocket cards".
The player on the small blind receives the first card and
the player with the dealer button gets the last card.
4. Then there is a first round of betting starting
with the player to the left of the big blind by either "calling"
the blind bet or "raising". The betting goes around
the table in order until it reaches the player who posted
the small blind. Each player must either call the highest
bet, raise or fold. The small blind can call the bet by putting
in one dollar since a dollar blind was already posted. The
last person to act is the big blind. If no one has raised,
the dealer will ask if they would like the option. This means
the big blind has the option to raise or just "check."
By checking the player does not put in any more money. This
round is usually referred to by the term pre-flop.
5. The amount betted depends on what kind of
game it is. (Click here for more information about betting
structures)
6. Much like most games of poker, players can
check, raise, or fold.
7. After the betting round ends, the dealer
discards the top card of the deck. This is called a burn card.
This is done to prevent cheating.
8. The dealer then flips the next three cards
face up on the table. These cards are called the flop. These
are communal cards that anyone can use in combination with
their two pocket cards to form a poker hand.
9. There is another round of betting starting
with the player to the left of the dealer.
10. After the betting concludes, the dealer
burns another card and flips one more onto the table. This
is called the turn card. Players can use this sixth card now
to form a five card poker hand.
11. The player to the left of the dealer begins
another round of betting. In many types of games, this is
where the bet size doubles.
12. Finally, the dealer burns a card and places
a final card face up on the table. This is called the river.
Players can now use any of the five cards on the table or
the two cards in their pocket to form a five card poker hand.
13. There is one final round of betting starting
with the player to the left of the dealer.
14. After that, all of the players remaining
in the game begin to reveal their hands. This begins with
the player to the left of the last player to call. It's called
the showdown.
15. The player who shows the best hand wins!
There are cases where players with equal hands share the winnings.
Click here for more info on who wins and about split pots. |
