Beginners Guide to Playing Texas Hold'em Poker
Texas Hold’em Poker rules can be confusing for beginners. Let’s go over the basic rules of Texas
Hold’em for beginners and understand how the hands are dealt, the bets are placed, and how
the winners are decided.
Here's a very informative video by Rob Akery (cashinpoker.com)
Here’s a step-by-step beginner’s guide to Texas Hold’em Poker:
First Step - Positions
The first set of bets comprises of blinds, and players take turns to place these bets, which are
compulsory for two players; one of whom places a small blind and the other one, on the left of
the small blind, places a big blind. Additional players play without betting at this stage.
Second Step - Pre-flop round
Every player gets two cards in this step called the Pre-flop round, and these are called the ‘hole
cards’. Depending on the strength of the cards, players can either check (stay in the game but
not raise the stakes of the bet in the round), bet (raise the amount of bet in that round), or fold
(sit out the round). After the initial set of bets have been placed (or cards folded), the dealer
places three ‘community cards’ face-up, in what is called the Flop round.
You can also find ways to improve your poker skills interesting!
Third Step - Flop round
Using their two private cards and the three community cards, the players decide whether they
could have a winning hand. The small blind player begins this round, and can again proceed by
checking, betting, or folding. The big blind player goes next, followed by other players, all of
whom can exercise the three options, depending on their private cards and the three
community cards.
Fourth Step - Turn round
When all the players have bet, the fourth community card is revealed in the ‘turn’. Now, players
must make the best possible poker hand from the six cards available to them (two private cards
and four community cards). A similar round of betting continues, wherein players can proceed
without raising the amount of the bet, raising the bet, or dropping out of the round.
Fifth Step - River round
The final and the fifth community card is revealed in what is called the ‘river’. Post this reveal, a
final round of betting ensues and all/remaining players make the best five-card hand from the
seven cards known to them so far.
Sixth Step
If, in any of the previous steps, all but one player fold and the round is finished, then the entire
amount collected in the pot goes to the player that remains in the game. However, if more than
one player finish the final betting round, the showdown follows. All players show their hand,
and according to the hand rankings, the dealer decides the winner. The winner takes the entire
amount in the pot.
There you go! That’s a great starting point to prepare a Texas Hold’em Poker strategy. If you wish to learn more, please visit: Texas Hold'em Poker Tips
