Holdem All! - Master The Texas holdem poker rules

Before we understand what Texas holdem poker rules are, let's understand what this game is. Of the various varieties of poker played, Texas Holdem Poker is the most popular. For those new to this game, Texas Holdem variety is specially prescribed. It is not difficult to learn at all. Texas holdem poker rules are easily understandable and the game can be learnt in a matter of minutes. Of course, mastery comes as you play more and more. The basic poker rules of Texas Holdem are given below (the betting rules of poker may vary.

Let The Game Begin

A standard 52 card deck (no jokers) is used in the Texas Holdem Poker. The dealer shuffles the cards (in a casino, the dealer is chosen by the button). Before dealing out any cards, two players playing Texas Holdem poker to the left of the dealer are required to place some amount of money that has been predefined. This is called 'posting the blinds'. It is done in order to make sure that each one has something to play on. The dealer has to deal out two cards (face down) to each player now. According to Texas holdem poker rules these cards are called 'hole cards' or 'pocket cards'.

The Betting Begins

This first round of betting is often called the 'pre-flop'. It is started by the player on the left of the two players who post the blinds. At his turn to bet, each player can call or raise or fold the bet. With the first betting round having reached its end, the dealer discards the topmost card on the deck. This is termed 'burning the card' and is done to minimise the chances of cheating.

The Flop

Now the dealer deals out three more cards, all face up. These cards are the 'flop'. These cards can be used by anyone in combination with the two pocket or hole cards to form a poker hand as the flop are communal cards. According to the Texas holdem poker rules, the second round of betting commences here with the player on the left to the dealer. As with all betting rounds, the players are allowed to call or raise or fold according to poker betting rules.

The Fourth And The Fifth Street

Another card is discarded from the deck and the next communal card placed face up. This community card is called the 'Fourth Street' or the 'turn'. This is followed by the third round of betting, again starting from the player on left hand side of the dealer. After discarding another card, the dealer deals out the last community card face up, called the 'river' or the 'Fifth Street'. The final betting round starts here.

Who's The Winner?

As per Texas hold'em poker rules, now the players have their pocket cards as well as community cards at their disposal. Each player can use any combination of the hole cards (unknown to others) and the community cards to form the best 5-card poker hand. The final betting is initiated by the player to the left of the dealer. Following this round, all the players left in the game reveal their cards. The player having the best poker hand is declared the winner and he gets the loot of the game.

Wish you luck! Hope you have a nice poker game!