A General Introduction to Texas Hold'em Poker

The most popular poker variant would undoubtedly be Texas Hold'em. This variant is the one commonly played on tournaments seen on TV, and is offered at most of the poker tables in both online and real casinos. If you are interested in playing poker or just visiting the casino, it would be wise to have even a general knowledge about how Texas Hold'em works.

Texas Hold'em belongs to the family of community-card poker. This means that players are given their own cards to serve as their hand, but will also used shared cards that are dealt in the middle of the table.

The game of Texas Hold'em starts with players being dealt (in turn, of course) two face-down cards that will serve as their hand. The first betting round starts with the player seated to the left of the dealer button.

A short note on blinds: Blinds are a common practice in Texas Hold'em, and the first two players to act are commonly called the big blind and small blind. Blinds are forced bets. The big blind is equivalent to the minimum bet that is allowed for a player to open; the small blind is half of the big blind.

If there is more than one active player after the first betting round, three cards are dealt face-up on the center of the table. These cards are collectively called as the 'flop.' Another betting round occurs.

If the second betting round ends and there is still more than one player who remains in hand, then another card is dealt face-up on the center of the table. This card is called as the 'turn.' A third betting round begins.

After the third betting round, and more than one player remains active, a fifth and last card is dealt face-up on the center of the table. This is called the 'river' card. A fourth and final betting round occurs.

After the final betting round and there is still more than one active player, a showdown occurs. In the showdown, players make the best five-card poker hand possible using all seven cards in their possession: two from their own hand, and the five community cards.

Players could use two, one, or no cards from their hand. If a player uses only the community cards to form a hand, then that player is said to be 'playing the board.' Like in any other poker, the one with the best hand wins.

There is now wonder to the popularity of Texas Hold'em, as the mechanics of the game offer boundless possibilities for strategy. If you are interested in poker or if you frequent the casinos, then it is best for you to learn how to play Texas Hold'em. Remember, even a general knowledge of the game will come a long way.