In poker today, Texas Hold'em is by far the most popular form of poker. With different variations like Limit, Pot-Limit, and No-Limit, this exciting game can be enjoyed by everyone. Texas Hold'em can be learned in just five minutes but will take a lifetime to master. Strategies and theories about the game are always changing, so give yourself an edge by always learning more about Texas Hold'em.




A normal game will have 9 or 10 players all seated around the poker table. The first step then is to establish one player as the "dealer". This player will act as the dealer for that hand and is in the best position possible.

Next there are two blinds for the players directly to the left of the dealer. The first player to the left of the dealer is in the "small blind", while the player to the left of the small blind is in the "big blind". The small blind puts in one half of the minimum bet, while the big blind puts in the minimum bet. The minimum bet in each game is predetermined, and can be from any amount $.01 and up.

Once the blinds have been placed, the dealer now begins the hand. The deal starts with the small blind receiving one hole card first, and then players receive their first card in a clockwise order. Then the dealer proceeds by giving the small blind a second hole card, with remaining players receiving their last hole cards in a clockwise order. For the deal to be accurate, each player should have two hole cards face down, with the dealer receiving his cards last.


Now that each player has received their cards, players may begin betting into the pot. The first player to act is the player directly left of the big blind. This player may fold, call the minimum bet, or raise the pot. Each player in a clock wise order has the same options but must act in turn. Once all players have had a chance to act, the dealer brings all the chips to the center of the table and creates the pot.

The dealer now places three cards face up on the center of the table. These cards are community cards, and can be used by all players still in the hand. The object of Texas Hold'em is to use your hole cards with the community cards to make the best five card poker hand. Now that the flop has been placed, players have the chance to check, bet, or fold starting with the player left of the dealer in a clockwise order.

Once all players have acted on the flop, the dealer now puts the next community card face up on the table called the "turn". This card is used to further improve your hand. Again, players have another chance to check, bet, or fold before the last community card is placed.

Once all players have acted on the turn, the dealer now places the fifth community card face up on the table called the "river". This is the last community card for players to use. Again, players have the option to check, bet or fold, and then all remaining players now expose their hole cards to the dealer. The best five card hand is determined, and that player will win the pot. When two or more players share the same best five card hand, they will each split up the pot equally.