Texas Hold'em Poker
Texas Hold'em has recently become the most popular and widely known of all the Poker games.
Blinds
The game begins by the two people directly to the left of the dealer posting the small and big blinds. The player immediately to the left of the dealer posts the small blind and the player to the left of the small blind posts the big blind. This guarantees that at the end of every pot some money is won. The dealer button moves at the end of each hand therefore evenly distributing who posts the "blinds".
Pocket Cards
After the blinds have been posted then each player is dealt 2 cards, known as the pocket cards. These are to only be seen by the player until the end of the hand.
1st Betting Round
The person to the left of the Big Blind begins the round of betting and it continues clockwise around the table. Every player has the option to Fold, Call or Raise.
The Flop
Three cards are now dealt face up to the middle of the table. These are the first round of community cards or "The Flop". These cards are for all players to use to make their best possible hand.
2nd Betting Round
This is done in the exact same format as the first round of betting.
The Turn
After betting the 4th community card is put down on the table and this is called The Turn.
3rd Betting Round
Played out exactly like the 1st and 2nd betting rounds.
The River
The fifth and final community card is laid down on the table; this is known as The River.
4th Betting Round
This is the final betting round and it is done like all previously betting rounds.
Showdown
In the showdown the final players show their cards and the best five card combination from the pocket and community cards determine the winner of the pot. The pot can also be split if two players have the same hand. If no one has a winning hand then the pot is split amongst the players who are left in the game. You don't have to show your cards at the showdown, if you feel you are losing, you can muck and forfeit the pot.
Next Round
After the pot is won, the dealer button is moved one player to the left and a new round begins.
For definitions on terms please visit the glossary.
