Texas hold 'em is a popular variation of the card game of poker. The game consists of two cards being dealt face down to each player and then five community cards being placed face-up in the middle of the table.
Here is how to play the game:
The two players to the left of the dealer button are required to post blinds, which are forced bets that stimulate action. The player directly to the left of the dealer button must post the small blind, while the player two to the left of the button must post the big blind.
Each player is dealt two hole cards, which are face down and only visible to the player.
The first betting round begins with the player to the left of the big blind. Players have the option to call (match the amount of the big blind), raise (increase the bet), or fold (give up their hand and any bets they have made).
After the first betting round, the dealer discards the top card of the deck (called the burn card) and then flips over the next three cards (called the flop). These cards are placed face up in the middle of the table and are common to all players.
A second betting round takes place, starting with the player to the left of the dealer button. Players have the same options as before: call, raise, or fold.
The dealer then burns another card and flips over a fourth card (called the turn). This card is also placed face up in the middle of the table.
A third betting round takes place, again starting with the player to the left of the dealer button.
The dealer burns a final card and then flips over the fifth and final card (called the river). This card is also placed face up in the middle of the table.
A final betting round takes place, starting with the player to the left of the dealer button.
If there are multiple players remaining in the hand after the final betting round, they reveal their hole cards and the player with the best five-card hand wins the pot. If all but one player folds on any round, the remaining player wins the pot without having to show their hole cards.
That's a basic overview of how to play Texas hold 'em. There are many more advanced strategies and tactics involved in the game, but this should give you a good foundation to get started.
Comments