How To Play Poker: Texas Hold'em

Step 1: Blinds

Before the poker cards are dealt one player must pay a blind, whilst another must pay a little blind or half the amount of the blind.

Step 2: The deal

To begin the starting hand each player receives in turn from the dealer two cards, both are dealt face down.

Step 3: First round of betting

In the first round of betting the players must at first match the blind if they wish to stay in the poker game and then match any additional raises.

Step 4: The Flop

After the first round of betting is complete three community cards are dealt into the middle of the table - these cards are called the flop.

Step 5: Second round of betting

The betting follows the same pattern as the first. However this time the first to bet can opt to check and not place a bet. Players can also choose to raise the bet, if they do all other players must match the raise to continue.

Step 6: The Turn

Another face up card is dealt and added to the existing three community cards.

Step 7: Third round of betting

The betting follows the same pattern as the first. Again first to bet can opt to check and not place a bet. If a bet is placed then it must be matched if a player wants to continue.

Step 8: The River

The river is the fifth and final community card.

Step 9: Fourth round of betting

The betting follows the same pattern as the first. Again first to bet can opt to check and not place a bet. If a bet is placed then it must be matched if a player wants to continue.

Step 10: The showdown

At the showdown the player's two hole cards combined with three cards from the board to create his hand. The player with the best five card hand is the winner of the round and wins the pot. If there are multiple winners with the same hand, the pot is split between these players.