The rules of Texas Holdem Poker (also known as Holdem Poker) are quite simple. It will take a few minutes to the learn the basics but many years to master. In this article you will learn the basic rules of the game.

Basic concept

The game is played with a standard 52 card deck and there can be a minimum of two or a maximum of ten players per game. Each player is dealt 2 cards face down which are referred to as the "hole cards". The dealer then shows 5 cards face up which are referred to as the "community cards". Each player makes the best possible poker hand using a maximum of 5 cards.

Betting rounds

Pre-Flop

The dealer begins the game by dealing two cards to each player. This round is known as the "Pre-Flop". These two cards are dealt face down on the table. They are known as the "hole cards" or pocket cards. Every hand the two players sitting to the immediate left of the dealer have to make a mandatory bets known as the blinds. The player on the dealer's left is the small blind and pays half the ante, while the second player to the left of the dealer is known as the big blind and pays the whole ante.

The Flop

A round of betting occurs before the second round of cards are dealt. Every other player has the choice to bet, fold and raise on seeing their cards. If everyone bets, both blinds still have the option of raising if they want or folding if someone previously has raised. The dealer places three cards, face up, in the middle of the table. This is called "The Flop". These cards are referred to as community cards and each player can use them however he wants to make the best possible hand. A round of betting follows beginning with the first player to the left of the dealer who is still in the hand.

 

The Turn (Fourth Street)

In the third round, the dealer places another card face up on the table. This round is known as "The Turn" or fourth street. There are now 4 community cards on the table. The players again place their bets. This round of betting again begins with the first player to the left of the dealer who is still in the hand.

The River (Fifth Street)

The dealer turns over the fifth and final community card on the table. This round is known as "The River" or "Fifth Street". Betting occurs for the last time. Like the previous two, this round of betting again begins with the first player to the left of the dealer who is still in the hand.

Showdown

Each player uses his two cards, and the five community cards to create the best 5 card poker hand. A player can use any combination of hole and community cards. You may even use all five communal cards to create the best hand. The winner collects the pot.