How To Play Texas Hold 'em
Texas Hold 'em is currently the most popular version of poker and is the game played at most tournaments. The traditional and still best form of poker.
Step 1: Blinds
Before the 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 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 2 hole cards combined with 3 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
