The Basics of the Game
This table game is played with the standard 52 deck of cards, but no jokers are used. A player's hand will be made up of two cards. No one else will see them. Five additional cards will be placed face up for all players to use. Every player at the table will try to make the best five hand card using the total seven cards to choose from.
Once the game has started, the action moves in a clockwise direction around the table. It starts with the bets, then a call, a raise and finally the fold. The final action to see who has won is the big show down. This is when players who have not folded will show their hands. The player with best hand wins.
The most notable difference in Hold’em poker is the blinds. These are automatic bets made by each play upon their turn. It adds a lot of extra thrill to the overall game, but you must know how to play them.
A Basic Round of Texas Hold’em
There are a number of ways a round of Texas Hold’em could play out, but to get an idea of how the game is played, take a look at a sample of one round.
Pre-Flop
One player receives the dealer button, a round disk that will be moved around the table after each hand.
Blinds are placed before any cards are dealt. These are forced bets made by the two players to the left of the dealer button.
Now every player is dealt two cards face down (aka: hole cards).
A round of betting starts beginning with the player left of the big blind and ending with the player in the big blind. All players can bet, raise, check or fold during any round.
The Flop
Three cards (aka: the flop) are now placed on the table. These can be used by any players who have not folded.
Another round of betting goes down. This time it starts with the player in the small blind and ends with the player that holds the dealer button.
Anyone who has not folded holds 2 cards only known by them. Three more cards will be held that anyone in the round can combine with the original two.
“By learning the strategies and tactics of Hold’ em, you can increase your odds of winning and ultimately have more fun. ”
The Turn
At this time in the game, one card is dealt face up as a community card (aka: the turn).
A third round of betting takes place.
All players still active in the game has their 2 cards plus 4 additional cards that anyone can take advantage of.
The River
The final cards of the five community cards are dealt (aka: the river).
A final round of betting takes place.
Players show their hand to determine who has made the best 5 card hand. This is known as the showdown.
The round is finished when all bets placed in the pot are given to the winner. If there is a tie, the pot is equally divided amongst the winners.
It’s important to note that you do not have to use your hold cards in your final hand. You can use 1, 2 or none of them.
The Betting Blind
All poker variations require money to go into a pot before hands are dealt. Without this, there would be nothing to play for. In Hold’ em poker, two players are required to contribute blind bets to the pot. The player who has the big blind must contribute a bet equal to the limit. The little blind must contribute⅓, ½, or ⅔ of a bet.
Everyone at the table will hold the blind at some point in the game. You’ll know it’s your turn when you hold the white disk which is called the button or dealer. The little blind sits to the next left of the dealer button, and the big blind sits two seats to the left.
Quick tips for winning real cash
Texas Hold’ em is ridiculously fun which is why it remains so popular amongst gambling enthusiasts. Even so, there is some skill required to actually add more cash to your bankroll. It’s a good idea to study the rules, the hands of the games and your ability to keep up with the fast pace. You can also take away these tips for winning at Hold’ em poker.
- Play the good cards and throw away the bad ones.
- Always think about your position.
- Don’t rely on bluffing.
- Practice some basic math skills.
- Think about everything going on at the table.
Playing Texas Hold’em online
There are more strategies and tips that, for the sake of your time, have not been mentioned in this beginners guide. After you get in some practice, be sure to check out the other articles on this site to add some more tools to your belt, broaden your knowledge and enhance your chances of winning big. Most importantly, remember to have fun.