A Guide to the Basic Rules of Texas Hold ‘em

The basics of Texas Hold ‘em are pretty easy to learn. Even beginners can catch on to the fundamentals in no time. However, in order to master the game and win all kinds of money, one must spend a very long time practicing and gaining experience. Indeed, the best players in the world have spent years honing their skills.

Nevertheless, if you want to learn how to play Texas Hold ‘em, here are the basics.

Online Playing

Obviously, online poker playing is a bit different from real life playing, although the basics are still the same. If you want to play online, make sure you the software you choose resembles an actual, real life poker table as much as possible. This way, you will be able to practice playing different positions, which you will actually be able to see on your screen.

The dealer chip usually moves clockwise after each hand. Pay close attention to where it is at all times and be aware of your position. Whoever is "on the button" gets to go last. This is considered to be the "best" position, so always take advantage of being on the button whenever you get to be as such. In some games, the player who is "on the button" also gets to be the dealer!

The Blinds

The blinds are thrown in at the start of each game. They are blind bets that the first two players in the round must make. They are called "blinds" because they are put into the pot before cards are even dealt! The individual immediately to the left of the dealer must throw the small blind in first, and then the next player to the left must make the big blind, which is usually equal to the small blind and played. For instance, if the Texas Hold ‘em game is $1/$2 limit, the small blind will be $1 and the big blind will be $2.

The Betting

After the blinds are thrown in the pot, each player will be dealt with two cards facing down, and the first betting round will commence. Each player, starting from the individual to the immediate left of the big blind, will act by folding, betting, or raising. After the betting is completed, the dealer must then deal the "flop." The flop is when three community cards are placed face-up in the center. These cards can be used by everyone in making a hand.

The round after the flop starts with another community card being placed in the middle of the table. The players must each fold, raise, check, or bet again. Afterwards, the final round, which is known as the "river" begins. The dealer places a fifth community card on the table and the final betting begins. After the final player bets, the river is finished and he or she must flip over his or her hole cards.

The players all then need to decide whether they want to throw away their cards or show them off. The best five-card hand wins, using any combination of the cards on the table and hole cards. Obviously, those who think they may have a winning hand must show everyone else what they have, and those who know they did not win can keep their cards down.

Now that you know the basic rules of the game of Texas Hold ‘em, click now to learn the Texas Hold ‘em terminology so you can be up to speed the next time, or even first time, you sit down at a poker playing table online or offline.