Learn Texas Hold'em Rules

For those who understand the rules of basic poker including the types of hands and how to bet there is another type of poker game to enjoy, Texas Hold'em. In this version of the game there are a total of 7 cards as compared to 5 cards in basic poker and the following rules are followed:

Most Texas Hold'Em games start with 2 players to the left of the dealer in order to make sure that there is a predetermined amount of money in the pot before the cards are even dealt. This ensures that there is money to play for and win in every single hand and these first two bets are called the "blinds". The first player to the left of the dealer puts up the bet first (first blind) which is usually half of the minimum bet and the second player puts up the "second blind" which is the full minimum bet.

After these bets are placed the dealer shuffles the deck of 52 cards and each player is then dealt two cards face down. It is important to remember that the 2 cards initially dealt are the only cards that distinguish players from one another. The rest of the cards will be face up and shared by all players. The betting now starts on these two cards by the player to the left of the two who first posted bets. Each player can check, raise, or fold when it's their turn.

Once this round of betting is complete, the dealer discards the top card on the deck, which is called "burning" the card to ensure that no player accidentally saw the card. This prevents any cheating. The dealer then flips the next three consecutive cards face up on the table. The dealing of these 3 cards is also known as the "flop". After this is done, the betting starts again for this round with the players to the left of the dealer. They all go through their options again continuing to add to the pot. It is very important to remember that after seeing the flop, players should not be afraid to cut their losses and fold if the 3 cards shown aren't that good. Just because you bet on the first two cards doesn't mean you have to keep going (check our other poker tips)

The dealer then burns another card and places a fourth card face up on the table. This card is often referred to as the "turn" or "Fourth Street". The player to the left of the dealer then begins the third round of betting.

Another card is burned and the fifth and final card is placed face up on the table. This card is also known as the "river" or "Fifth Street".

Players can now use all 7 cards in any combination to form the best possible 5 card poker hand. This final round of betting begins with the player to the left of the dealer and after the final round of betting is complete all players reveal their hands. The player who initially made a bet or the player who raised the bet last is the first person to show their hand. The player with the best hand wins.

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