How to Play Texas Hold'em
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Texas Hold'em Basics
Texas Hold'em is the game seen on the World Series of Poker, and is the main poker game played in casinos throughout the country. The object of the game is to have the best poker hand at the table by using the two cards dealt in combination with the five common cards that can be used by anyone at the table.
The game begins with one player designated as the dealer. This player may or may not actually be dealing the cards, but is called the "dealer" nonetheless. The dealer rotates to the left each hand. The player to the dealer's left posts a bet known as the "little blind," which is half of the minimum bet. The next player posts a "big blind," which is equal to the minimum bet. No other players are required to post an ante. If a player is absent from the table, he or she must post any missed blinds during the first hand when they return.
Game Play and Betting
After the player right of the dealer cuts the deck, the dealer "burns" one card by discarding it face down. Each player then receives two cards, known as "pocket cards." Betting then begins with the third player to the dealer's left, next to the player posting the big blind. This player can either call by matching the big blind amount, raise the big blind amount, or fold. Betting continues to the left, with all players either calling, raising, or folding. The players who posted the blinds count the blind amount toward their betting total.
After the initial round of betting, the dealer burns another card and then deals three cards face up in the center of the table; this is known as "the flop." These cards can be used by any player to make the best possible five-card poker hand. Betting starts with the player to the dealer's left, with each player calling, raising, or folding.
The dealer then burns another card and deals one more face up, known as "the turn" or "fourth street." Players again bet, beginning with the player to the dealer's left. The dealer then deals a final card, known as "the river." After another round of betting, remaining players show their cards, and the pot is raked by the player with the highest hand.
No Limit Texas Hold'em
Texas Hold'em has several betting variations. In a "no limit" game, such as the style played in tournaments, players can raise any amount at any time, and any player can go "all in," meaning the player is betting all of his or her chips. When this occurs, other players must match the bet or fold. If a player has less than the amount, a side pot is created so that no player is forced out by not having enough chips on the table. It is possible for more than one player to go all-in on a single hand, and it is also possible for several side pots to be created. At the end of the hand, the pots are distributed to the eligible player with the best hand. If the player with the highest hand did not have enough chips to bet into each pot, then the unclaimed pot goes to the player with the best hand who contributed to that pot.
Example: John has $50, Joe has $100, and Bill has $25. John decides to go all-in with his $50. Bill can match the bet by betting all of his $25, and does. Joe must bet $50 in order to stay in. There is now a main pot with $75 in it ($25 from all three players), and a side pot with $50 in it that only John and Joe can win. If Bill wins the hand, he wins the main pot, but cannot win the side pot since he did not contribute to it. The side pot would go to either John or Joe, whoever has the better hand. If John or Joe folds before the end of the hand, the other would win the side pot automatically.
Betting Limits
In a game with a limit, players are limited in their bets. For example, in a $5/$10 game, bets are limited to $5 in the first two rounds of betting and $10 in the last two rounds of betting for each hand.
Hosting a Texas Hold'em Tournament
Visit HomePokerTourney.com to learn how to host your own Texas Hold'em tournament!!
Texas Hold'em Layout 36x72 Inches
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This big 6-foot felt Texas Hold'em layout measures 36 by 72 inches. The felt has betting lines to help keep the game organized. Game instructions are included. |
$11.99 |