Texas Hold’Em Poker

One of the most popular versions of Poker, Texas Hold’em is widely popular in online casinos. It’s incredibly entertaining and easy to catch onto. The game like any other form of Poker requires additional skills, such as strategy and bluffing. Texas Hold’em is available for free play online and we recommend you build up strategy and bluffing skills before playing for real money. 

Placing Your Bet

There are plenty of online poker rooms to choose from when considering real money. All Texas Hold’em rooms will require a minimum amount ‘buy-in’ before you enter. The choice is entirely up to you when searching through rooms. High-rolling rooms can start at as much as a $5000 buy-in. However, we think its safe to say you will be avoiding these particular rooms for now. 

Object of the Game

The object of any form of Poker is simple; the player with the ‘highest hand’ wins the ante (Pot). 

In Play

•    A standard deck of 52 cards is used for Texas Hold’em

•    Depending on the limits set and betting rules, player’s first place ‘Blinds’, one is called the ‘Small Blind’ and the other the ‘Large Blind’. 

•    The cards are shuffled and each player is dealt 2 cards face down. These are called ‘hole’ cards or ‘pocket’ cards.

•    At this point, around of betting begins with the player to the left of the blinds. This is called the ‘Pre-flop’. You may also call, raise or fold if so desired.

•    After all bets are on the table, the dealer discards the top card of the deck. This is called the ‘burn’ card. This is usually done to prevent cheating.

•    The dealer then deals the next 3 cards face up on the table, this is known as the ‘community cards’. Every player sees these cards. This is also known as the ‘flop’. All players’ can use these ‘community’ cards in combination with their 2 private cards. 

•    At this point, the player to the left of the dealer starts another betting round.

•    After all bets are on the table, the dealer once again throws away the ‘burn’ card and flips another community card on the table. This is called the ‘turn’.

•    Another round of betting begins. At this point it is not unusual for the betting to double or even triple in size. This is the part of the game were strategy and bluffing come into play.

•    Again the dealer throws away the burn card and deals the final card face up. This is called the ‘river’. Players now use any of the community cards to build a 5-card winning poker hand. (2 pocket cards, used with 3 community cards)

•    Finally, the last round of betting begins. Once again, bets can be doubled, or even some players going all-in. Once again strategy and bluffing come into play.

•    The ‘Showdown’ begins and all players who have not folded lay down their cards. This begins with the player to the left of the last player to call.

•    The player with the best hand wins the pot! Sometimes players with the same hand will split the ante.