Texas Holdem, today's most popular form of poker can be difficult to break into for those new to poker or other casino games. Though, it may seem daunting to beginners; the reason for the game's global success is because of how easy it is to learn. As the old saying goes, "it takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master". This saying certainly rings true for Texas Holdem poker. In this article, we'll go over basic game play, and the most common forms of the game.
Game Theory
Texas Holdem is a form of traditional poker with its own separate rules and betting rounds. The standard poker hand rankings are the same, and the game uses a standard 52 card deck. The basic goal in Texas Holdem is not to win every single pot but to maximize their earnings by winning showdowns and picking their spots wisely. Top players will use mental game, mathematics, and other intangibles to become successful poker players. The goal is to make the best possible five card hand using the five community cards, and your hole cards. Though, it is not a requirement to use both or one of your hole cards, as players can still "play the board" and receive a portion of the pot.
Basic Game play
The Pre Flop
Before any cards are dealt two players must post a small blind and a big blind, which will vary in size depending on the stake level. The two players to the left of the dealer button will then post the blinds and the cards will be dealt. Two cards are dealt face down to each player, which are each player’s hole cards. A round of betting will then occur, which begins clock wise from player to the left of the big blind. This is the pre-flop betting round, and the big blind is last to act before the flop is dealt.
The Flop
After the pre-flop betting has ended, the dealer will layout three community cards, and then another round of betting will occur. The action will begin clockwise from the first player to the left of the button. The last player to act in the betting round is the button or the player closest to the button.
The Turn
A single card is dealt making four community cards, and another round of betting occurs.
The River
A final community card is dealt, making five community cards. A final round of betting then occurs.
The Showdown
Once the last betting round has finished, all remaining players show their cards. In order to win, the player has to hold the best five-card hand.
Poker hands ranking
Royal Straight Flush
An ace-high straight flush such as A K Q J 10 is known as a royal flush, and is the highest ranking standard poker hand.
Straight Flush
A straight flush is a poker hand which contains five cards in sequence, all of the same suit.
Four of a Kind
Contains four cards of one rank, and an unmatched card of another rank.
Full House
Three matching cards of one rank, and two matching cards of another rank.
Flush
Five cards of the same suit, not in rank sequence.
Straight
Five cards of sequential rank but in more than one suit.
Three of a kind
Three cards of the same rank, plus two unmatched cards.
Two Pairs
Two cards of the same rank, plus two cards of another rank.
Pair
Two cards of the same rank.
High Card
Hand in which no two cards have the same rank, the five cards are not in sequence, and the five cards are not all the same suit.
