Read About Basic Texas Hold’em Rules

Basic Texas Hold’em Rules

By: Chris Iaquinta

If you’re just starting or wanting to get started playing Texas Hold’em, here is a quick guide on the rules of how to play the most popular poker game in the world.

Step 1
The two players to the left of the dealer (represented by the “dealer button”) put out blind bets. The player immediately to the dealer’s left puts out the small blind bet while the player two places to the dealer’s left puts out the big blind bet.

Step 2
Every player is then dealt two cards, face down. These are called pocket or hole cards.

Step 3
The “action”, or the first move, falls to the player directly to the left of the big blind. They can either call the bet, raise it, or fold. Betting then continues around the table, clockwise.

Step 4
Once the betting is completed, three cards will be dealt face up on the center of the table, otherwise known as the board. The first three cards in Texas Hold’em are known as the “Flop”. These cards are “community cards” meaning everyone can (and will) use them in a combination with their own hole cards in order to make the best hand.

Step 5
From the flop onwards, betting begins with the player to the dealer’s left, who can either check or bet.

Step 6
A fourth card is then dealt face up onto the board. This is called “Fourth Street” or the turn card.

Step 7
Another round of betting.

Step 8
The final card is dealt face up. This card is known as “Fifth Street” or the river.

Step 9
A final round of betting will then occur. The remaining players will show their cards and the player who makes the best five card hand by combining the pocket cards and the cards on the board wins.