Texas Holdem Poker
How To Play Texas Holdem poker

Texas Holdem Poker Rules

Here is a brief introduction to Texas Holdem, everyone's favorite poker game.

How to Play Texas Holdem Poker
1) Prior to dealing the cards, two blinds (the Small Blind and the Big Blind) are placed in the pot by the two players to the immediate left of the dealer. The blinds are put in to start the action.

2) Everyone is dealt two down cards ("hole cards"). The action begins with the player to the left of the Big Blind folding, calling, or raising. Action continues with all players making one of these decisions. This is the first betting round.

3) Upon completion of the first round of betting, the dealer then turns over three cards (community cards known as "The Flop"). This is the second betting round. Beginning with this round of betting (and throughout the remainder of the hand), the player to the left of the dealer acts first. A player may now check (not bet or fold) or bet if there is no betting in front of them. If there is betting and/or raising in front of them, they may Call, Raise, or Fold.

4) Following the completion of action on the "flop", the dealer turns over another card (known as "The Turn" or "Fourth Street"). This is the third round of betting. (In Limit Holdem, the amount bet doubles on "The Turn".) The betting again starts with the player closest to the left of the dealer.

5) Following the completion of action on "the turn", the dealer turns over the last card (known as "The River" card or "Fifth Street"). This is the final round of betting.

6) Upon completion of the final round of betting, the best hand wins the pot.

Note: The blinds are determined by the size of the game.

RANKING OF HANDS FOR TEXAS HOLDEM

Royal Flush
The highest ranking hand possible. An Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10 of the same suit. Starting with an Ace, all five cards are in sequence and in a common suit.
Example: A, K, Q, J, 10

Straight Flush
Five cards both in sequence and common suit, but not starting with an Ace.
Example: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6

Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank.
Example: 5, 5, 5, 5, 2

Full House
Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
Example: K, K, K, 4, 4

Flush
Five cards of same suit.
Example: K, J, 9, 6, 3

Straight
Five cards in sequence (Aces may be used high or low).
Example: 5, 4, 3, 2, A

Three of a Kind
Three cards of same rank.
Example: 9, 9, 9, A, 8

Two Pair
Two groups of two cards of same rank.
Example: 4, 4, J, J, A

A Pair
Two cards of the same rank
Example: 8, 4, J, J, A