How to Play Texas Hold'em Poker: Holdem Rules & Hands
If you want to learn how to play
Texas hold'em games, 1️⃣ then you need to start from the basic rules and hands. That's
exactly what you'll find on this beginner's guide 1️⃣ to the game.
Texas holdem is a simple
poker game, but it can be daunting to get to grips with.
But don't 1️⃣ let that put you
off. By the time you are down with this beginner's guide to Texas hold'em poker, you
1️⃣ will know:
Here we go over the poker rules for Texas Hold'em.
1. What Is Texas Hold'em
Poker?
Texas Hold'em is the most 1️⃣ popular of all poker variations.
All of the marquee
tournaments around the world (including those played at the World Series of 1️⃣ Poker, the
World Poker Tour, the and the European Poker Tour) feature the no-limit variation of
this game.
Texas hold'em is 1️⃣ so popular that is the only poker game many players will
ever learn.
It takes a moment to learn, but a 1️⃣ lifetime to master.
Discovering how to
play Texas hold'em poker is not difficult and the simplicity of its rules, gameplay,
and 1️⃣ hand-ranking all contribute to the popularity of the game.
However, don't let the
simplicity of the game mislead you.
The number of 1️⃣ possible situations and combinations
is so vast that Texas hold'em can be an extremely complex game when you play at 1️⃣ the
highest levels.
If you are approaching the game of Texas hold'em for the first time,
starting from the basic rules 1️⃣ of the game is key. Not only these are the easiest ones
to learn, but they are also essential to 1️⃣ understand the gameplay and, later on, the
game's basic strategy.
2. Texas Hold'em Poker Rules
So how do you play Texas
hold'em?
The 1️⃣ goal of a Texas hold'em game is to use your hole cards in combination with
the community cards to make 1️⃣ the best possible five-card poker hand.
Hold'em is not
unlike other poker games like five-card draw.
However, the way players construct their
1️⃣ hands in Texas hold'em is a little different than in draw poker.
It's always possible a
player can "bluff" and get 1️⃣ others to fold better hands.
In a game of Texas hold'em,
each player is dealt two cards face down (the ' 1️⃣ hole cards ')
') Over several betting
rounds, five more cards are (eventually) dealt face up in the middle of the 1️⃣ table
These
face-up cards are called the 'community cards.' Each player is free to use the
community cards in combination with 1️⃣ their hole cards to build a five-card poker hand.
5
community cards
While we will see each betting round and different phase 1️⃣ that forms a
full hand of a Texas hold'em game, you should know that the five community cards are
dealt 1️⃣ in three stages:
The Flop: the first three community cards.
the first three
community cards. The Turn: the fourth community card.
the fourth 1️⃣ community card. The
River:The fifth and final community card.
Your mission is to construct your five-card
poker hands using the best 1️⃣ available five cards out of the seven total cards (your two
hole cards and the five community cards).
You can do 1️⃣ that by using both your hole cards
in combination with three community cards, one hole card in combination with four
1️⃣ community cards, or no hole cards.
If the cards on the table lead to a better
combination, you can also play 1️⃣ all five community cards and forget about yours.
In a
game of Texas hold'em you can do whatever works to make 1️⃣ the best five-card hand.
If the
betting causes all but one player to fold, the lone remaining player wins the pot
1️⃣ without having to show any cards.
For that reason, players don't always have to hold
the best hand to win the 1️⃣ pot. It's always possible a player can 'bluff' and get others
to fold better hands.
READ ALSO: Common Poker Tells: How 1️⃣ to Read People in Poker
If two
or more players make it all of the way to the showdown after the 1️⃣ last community card is
dealt and all betting is complete, the only way to win the pot is to have 1️⃣ the
highest-ranking five-card poker hand.
Now that you know the basics of Texas hold'em and
you start to begin gaining an 1️⃣ understanding of how the game works, it's time to get
into some specifics.
These include how to deal Texas hold'em and 1️⃣ how the betting
works.
Basic Rules Key Takeaways: A game of Texas hold'em feature several betting
rounds
Players get two private and 1️⃣ up to five community cards
Unless all players
abandon the game before the showdown, you need the highest poker hand to 1️⃣ win
Download
the PokerNews Quick Guide to Texas Hold’em Understand the Texas Holdem Poker Rules with
the 1-page handout and join 1️⃣ the other players and get involved in the game for your
chance to win. Download
Before you start learning the rules, 1️⃣ here's everything you need
to host your own poker game!
How to Play Texas Holdem Poker
Let's have a look at all
1️⃣ the different key aspects of a Texas hold'em game, including the different positions at
the table and the betting rounds 1️⃣ featured in the game.
The Button
The play moves
clockwise around the table, starting with action to the left of the dealer 1️⃣ button.
The
'button' is a round disc that sits in front of a player and is rotated one seat to the
1️⃣ left every hand.
When playing in casinos and poker rooms, the player with the dealer
button doesn't deal the cards (the 1️⃣ poker room hires someone to do that).
When you play
poker home games with friends the player with the button usually 1️⃣ deals the hands.
The
button determines which player at the table is the acting dealer.
The first two players
sitting to the 1️⃣ immediate left of the button are required to post a 'small blind' and a
'big blind' to initiate the betting.
From 1️⃣ there, the action occurs on multiple
streets:
Preflop
Flop
Turn
River
Each one of these moments (or 'streets' in the game's
lingo) is explained further 1️⃣ below.
The button determines which player at the table is
the acting dealer.
In Texas hold'em, the player on button, or last 1️⃣ active player
closest to the button receives the last action on all post-flop streets of play.
While
the dealer button dictates 1️⃣ which players have to post the small and big blinds, it also
determines where the dealing of the cards begins.
The 1️⃣ player to the immediate left of
the dealer button in the small blind receives the first card and then the 1️⃣ dealer
pitches cards around the table in a clockwise motion from player to player until each
has received two starting 1️⃣ cards.
READ ALSO: Poker Positions Explained: the Importance
of Position in Poker
The Blinds
Two “Hole Cards” are dealt face down and the 1️⃣ first
round of betting begins
Before every new hand begins, two players at the table are
obligated to post small and 1️⃣ big blinds.
The blinds are forced bets that begin the
wagering.
Without these blinds, the game would be very boring because no 1️⃣ one would be
required to put any money into the pot and players could just wait around until they
are 1️⃣ dealt pocket aces (AA) and only play then.
The blinds ensure there will be some
level of 'action' on every hand.
In 1️⃣ tournaments, the blinds are raised at regular
intervals. In cash games, the blinds always stay the same.
In tournaments, the blinds
1️⃣ are raised at regular intervals.
As the number of players keeps decreasing and the
stacks of the remaining players keep getting 1️⃣ bigger, it is a necessity that the blinds
keep increasing throughout a tournament.
throughout a tournament. In cash games, the
blinds 1️⃣ always stay the same.
The player directly to the left of the button posts the
small blind, and the player to 1️⃣ his or her direct left posts the big blind.
The small
blind is generally half the amount of the big blind, 1️⃣ although this stipulation varies
from room to room and can also be dependent on the game being played.
In a "$1/$2"
1️⃣ Texas hold'em game, the small blind isR$1 and the big blind isR$2.
First Betting Round:
Preflop
Two “Hole Cards” are dealt face 1️⃣ down and the first round of betting begins
The
first round of betting takes place right after each player has been 1️⃣ dealt two hole
cards.
The first player to act is the player to the left of the big blind.
This
position referred 1️⃣ to as 'under the gun' because the player has to act first. The first
player has three options:
Call: match the 1️⃣ amount of the big blind
match the amount of
the big blind Raise: increase the bet within the specific limits of 1️⃣ the game
increase
the bet within the specific limits of the game Fold: throw the hand away
If the player
chooses to 1️⃣ fold, he or she is out of the game and no longer eligible to win the current
hand.
Players can bet 1️⃣ anywhere from the amount of the big blind (the minimum bet
allowed) up to the total amount in the current 1️⃣ pot.
The amount a player can raise to
depends on the game that is being played.
In a game of no-limit Texas 1️⃣ hold'em, the
minimum opening raise must be at least twice the big blind, and the maximum raise can
be all 1️⃣ of the chips a player has in his or her stack (an "all-in" bet).
There are other
betting variations in hold'em 1️⃣ poker.
In fixed-limit hold'em (or just "limit hold'em), a
raise is always exactly twice the big blind.
In pot-limit hold'em (played much 1️⃣ less
often than the other variations), players can bet anywhere from the amount of the big
blind (the minimum bet 1️⃣ allowed) up to the total amount in the current pot.
After the
first player ('under the gun') acts, the play proceeds 1️⃣ in a clockwise fashion around
the table with each player also having the same three options — to call, to 1️⃣ raise, or
fold.
Once the last bet is called and the action is 'closed,' the preflop round is over
and play 1️⃣ moves on to the "flop."
Second Betting Round: The Flop
Three community cards
are dealt on the table and a new betting 1️⃣ round betting.
After the first preflop betting
round has been completed, the first three community cards are dealt and a second
1️⃣ betting round follows involving only the players who have not folded already.
A check
simply means to pass the action to 1️⃣ the next player in the hand.
In this betting round
(and subsequent ones), the action starts with the first active player 1️⃣ to the left of
the button.
Along with the options to bet, call, fold, or raise, a player now has the
1️⃣ option to 'check' if no betting action has occurred beforehand.
A check simply means to
pass the action to the next 1️⃣ player in the hand.
Again betting continues until the last
bet or raise has been called (which closes the action).
It also 1️⃣ can happen that every
player simply chooses not to be and checks around the table, which also ends the
betting 1️⃣ round.
Third Betting Round: The Turn
The fourth community card is called the
“Turn” and again a new round of betting starts.
Call 1️⃣ – match the amount of the big
blind
The fourth community card, called the turn, is dealt face-up following all
betting 1️⃣ action on the flop.
Once this has been completed, another round of betting
occurs, similar to that on the previous street 1️⃣ of play.
Again players have the option
to check, bet, call, fold, or raise.
Final Betting Round: The River
The last community
card 1️⃣ is called the “River”. This is followed by a last round of betting and finally the
“Showdown”
Fold – throw the 1️⃣ hand away
The fifth community card, called the river, is
dealt face-up following all betting action on the turn.
Once this has 1️⃣ been completed,
another round of betting occurs, similar to what took play on the previous street of
play.
Once more the 1️⃣ remaining players have the option to options to check, bet, call,
fold, or raise.
After all betting action has been completed, 1️⃣ the remaining players in
the hand with hole cards now expose their holdings to determine a winner. This is
called 1️⃣ the showdown.
The Showdown
The player with the best combination of five cards
wins
Players construct their hands by choosing the five best 1️⃣ cards from the seven
available
The remaining players show their hole cards, and with the assistance of the
dealer, a winning 1️⃣ hand is determined.
The player with the best combination of five
cards wins the pot according to the official poker hand 1️⃣ rankings.
3. The Hand Rankings
in Texas Hold'em Poker
These hand rankings aren't specifically part of Texas hold'em
rules, but apply to 1️⃣ many different poker games.
Royal Flush — five cards of the same
suit, ranked ace through ten; e.g., A ♥ K 1️⃣ ♥ Q ♥ J ♥ 10 ♥
— five cards of the same suit,
ranked ace through ten; e.g., Straight Flush 1️⃣ — five cards of the same suit and
consecutively ranked; e.g., 9 ♣ 8 ♣ 7 ♣ 6 ♣ 5 1️⃣ ♣
— five cards of the same suit and
consecutively ranked; e.g., Four of a Kind — four cards of the 1️⃣ same rank; e.g., Q ♣ Q ♥
Q ♦ Q ♠ 4 ♦
— four cards of the same rank; e.g., 1️⃣ Full House — three cards of the same
rank and two more cards of the same rank; e.g., J ♣ 1️⃣ J ♥ J ♠ 8 ♦ 8 ♥
— three cards of
the same rank and two more cards of the 1️⃣ same rank; e.g., Flush — any five cards of the
same suit; e.g., A ♠ J ♠ 8 ♠ 5 1️⃣ ♠ 2 ♠
— any five cards of the same suit; e.g., Straight
— any five cards consecutively ranked; e.g., Q 1️⃣ ♣ J ♦ 10 ♥ 9 ♠ 8 ♦
— any five cards
consecutively ranked; e.g., Three of a Kind — 1️⃣ three cards of the same rank; e.g., 8 ♣ 8
♠ 8 ♦ K ♣ 4 ♥
— three cards of 1️⃣ the same rank; e.g., Two Pair — two cards of the same
rank and two more cards of the same 1️⃣ rank; e.g., A ♠ A ♣ J ♦ J ♣ 7 ♠
— two cards of the
same rank and two 1️⃣ more cards of the same rank; e.g., One Pair — two cards of the same
rank; e.g., 10 ♥ 10 1️⃣ ♣ 9 ♥ 4 ♦ 2 ♦
— two cards of the same rank; e.g., High Card — five
unmatched cards; 1️⃣ e.g., A♣J♦10♠5♣2♥ would be called "ace-high"
Download the PokerNews
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play, all combined for you to understand Texas Holdem with this ultimate guide.
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Players construct their hands 1️⃣ by choosing the five best cards from the seven
available (their two hole cards and the five community cards).
If the 1️⃣ board is showing
9♣5♠K♦3♠A♥, a player with the two hole cards A♦9♠ would have two pair (aces and nines)
and 1️⃣ would lose to a player who has 9♦9♥ for three of a kind (three nines).
Learning
hold'em poker begins with understanding 1️⃣ how hands are dealt and the order of play as
described above.
Of course, learning Texas hold'em rules is just the 1️⃣ beginning, as the
next step is to learn strategy which involves understanding what constitutes good
starting hand selection, the odds 1️⃣ and probabilities associated with the game, the
significance of position and getting to act last during those post-flop betting rounds,
1️⃣ and many other aspects of the game. This is where the PokerNews Poker Odds Calculator
can help you.
Want to Find 1️⃣ Out the Odds? By using the PokerNews Texas Hold’em Poker
Odds Calculator you can calculate your chances on a given 1️⃣ hand, in any situation! Try
it now
4. How to Play Texas Hold'em Poker Games Online For Free or Real Money
Now 1️⃣ that
you know how Texas Hold'em works, it's time to put the theory into practice and play
your first games.
The 1️⃣ best way to start playing Texas Hold'em is to start from these
free online poker games and then move up 1️⃣ to the real money action only when you feel
comfortable enough to do so.
All the 'must-have poker rooms' below offer 1️⃣ free games to
practice online.
If you are completely new to the game, you should go for play money
options, first. 1️⃣ These risk-free games with fake money are an excellent way to
familiarise with the different moments of play and the 1️⃣ betting rounds.
The play money
games are a great way to learn more about the hand rankings and begin to read 1️⃣ the board
fast enough to take all the right decisions at the right time.
After that, you should
more to the 1️⃣ poker freerolls. These are free poker tournaments with actual prizes on tap
that range from free money to free entries 1️⃣ into more expensive real money poker
games.
How to Play Texas Hold'em Poker FAQs
What is Texas Hold'em Poker? Texas Hold'em
is 1️⃣ the most popular poker game variant, where players are dealt two private cards (hole
cards), and five community cards are 1️⃣ placed face-up in the center of the table. The aim
of the game is to make the best possible five-card 1️⃣ hand, according to the poker hand
rankings, using a combination of your hole cards and the community cards. How do 1️⃣ I win
at Texas Hold'em? To win a hand of Texas Hold'em, you need to have the best five-card
poker 1️⃣ hand. The possible hand rankings, from highest to lowest, are Royal Flush,
Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, 1️⃣ Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair,
One Pair and High Card. What happens if there's a tie in 1️⃣ Texas Hold'em? If multiple
players have the same hand ranking, the pot is split equally among the tying players.
What 1️⃣ is the dealer button, small blind, and big blind? In the game of Texas Hold'em,
players take turns being the 1️⃣ dealer. A dealer button is used and rotates clockwise
after each hand. The player to the left of the dealer 1️⃣ is the small blind, and the
player two seats to the left is the big blind. The 'Blinds' are forced 1️⃣ bets to start
the action and build the pot. How are cards dealt in Texas Hold'em? The Dealer in Texas
1️⃣ Hold'em will give each player two private hole cards, and then five community cards are
placed face-up in the center 1️⃣ of the table. The community cards are dealt in stages: the
flop (three cards), the turn (one card), and the 1️⃣ river (one card). What is the order of
play in Texas Hold'em? The order of play rotates clockwise. It starts 1️⃣ with the player
to the left of the dealer and moves around the table. The player to the left of 1️⃣ the
dealer posts the small blind, and the next player posts the big blind to start the
action. How many 1️⃣ players can play Texas Hold'em? Texas Hold'em can be played with as
few as two players or as many as 1️⃣ ten (in the online casino world some variations of
Texas Holdem can be played solo against the dealer). However, it's 1️⃣ commonly played with
2 to 9 players at a table. What is a betting round in Texas Hold'em poker? Texas
1️⃣ Hold'em has several betting rounds. After the hole cards are dealt, there is a round of
betting. Then, the flop 1️⃣ is revealed, followed by another betting round. The turn and
river cards are revealed with a betting round after each. 1️⃣ Players can check, bet, fold,
call, or raise during these rounds. What are the hand rankings in Texas Hold'em poker?
1️⃣ The strength of your hand is determined by its rank among all possible hands and the
community cards. It's essential 1️⃣ to understand hand rankings and how they apply to your
specific hand in the context of the community cards. The 1️⃣ possible hand rankings, from
highest to lowest, are Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush,
Straight, 1️⃣ Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair and High Card. Can players use all, some,
or none of their 1️⃣ hole cards to form their hand? Players can use any combination of
their two hole cards and the five community 1️⃣ cards to make the best hand. It's possible
to use both hole cards, only one, or none at all, depending 1️⃣ on what gives the best
hand. When should I fold my hand? There are no hard and fast rules for 1️⃣ when you should
fold your hand, as it can depend on a number of factors, such as table position, the
1️⃣ strength or style of your opponent, and which round of betting you are in. However,
knowing when to fold is 1️⃣ crucial for preserving your chips and making profitable
decisions, so we recommend heading over to the poker strategy section right 1️⃣ here on
PokerNews to read more. How do I calculate pot odds and implied odds in Texas Hold'em
poker? Pot 1️⃣ odds involves comparing the current size of the pot to the cost of your next
bet. Implied odds consider the 1️⃣ potential future bets in addition to the current pot
size. Understanding these odds can help you make informed decisions. Is 1️⃣ bluffing
important in Texas Hold'em? Bluffing is a strategic element of the game. When used
wisely, it can help you 1️⃣ win pots with weaker hands. However, it's crucial to be
selective and consider your opponents and the table dynamics. Can 1️⃣ you show your cards
to other players during the game? In most poker games, including Texas Hold'em, you can
choose 1️⃣ to show your hand at the end of the hand if you wish. However, you are not
required to reveal 1️⃣ your hand if you win a pot. What are the basic strategies for Texas
Hold'em? Basic strategies include starting hand 1️⃣ selection, position awareness, and
understanding betting and odds. Learning when to be aggressive, when to fold, and how
to read 1️⃣ your opponents are also essential skills. What are the different variations of
Texas Hold'em? There are variations of Texas Hold'em, 1️⃣ including No-Limit Texas Hold'em,
Limit Texas Hold'em, and Pot-Limit Texas Hold'em. Each has slightly different rules
regarding betting. Where can 1️⃣ I play Texas Hold'em poker online? There are many online
poker sites or mobile poker apps where you can play 1️⃣ Texas Hold'em. Some popular options
include PokerStars, 888poker, partypoker, and many others. Can I play Texas Hold'em
poker online for 1️⃣ real money or just for fun? Many online poker sites offer both real
money and play money (for fun) games. 1️⃣ You can choose the type of games that suit your
preferences and skill level. However, whether you can play for 1️⃣ real money will depend
on the gambling laws in your location. Are there different types of online poker games
available? 1️⃣ Yes, online poker platforms often offer a variety of poker games beyond
Texas Hold'em, including Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and 1️⃣ more. Is online poker fair, or can
it be rigged? Regulated and reputable online poker sites use Random Number Generators
1️⃣ (RNGs) to ensure fair and random card distribution. These sites are regularly audited
to maintain fairness and integrity. Are there 1️⃣ age restrictions for playing online
poker? Yes, you typically need to be at least 18 years old (or the legal 1️⃣ gambling age
in your jurisdiction) to play poker online for real money. Please check your
eligibility to play before signing 1️⃣ up snd placing a bet. Can I play online poker in the
United States? Online poker regulations vary by state 1️⃣ in the United States. Some states
have legalized and regulated online poker, while others have not. It's important to
check 1️⃣ the specific laws in your state to see if online poker is legal and available. If
real money gaming is 1️⃣ not available, then you might like to look at one of these sites
that offer free online poker games. We 1️⃣ offer a handy guide to the online poker
regulations in the USA.
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