Texas Holdem

A great game to introduce to a new poker player is Texas Holdem. This game is easiest to learn while playing and most players will understand and play well after a few hands. Here's a quick look at the rules of this popular game.

To start
The game begins with two players - the two to the left of the dealer. These players put a predetermined amount of money on the table to create the initial pot. Referred to as "posting the blinds," the dealer then shuffles the deck and gives each player two cards, face down. The players view these cards privately and keep them face down.

Betting
The betting begins with the player that is third to the dealer's left. Players check, raise, or fold and after this "pre-flop" stage, the dealer discards the deck's top card (the "burn card"). The dealer then puts the next three cards face up on the table. These cards are the "flop." Any player can use the flop combined with the two cards they have to form a hand.

Next, another round of betting begins (starting with the player to the dealer's left). The dealer throws away the top card again and flips one card face up on the table. Players are allowed to use this card to make a five-card hand.

Another round begins and the dealer burns the next card on top and the final card is dealt, face up, on the table. Players have the option of using the five communal cards or the two ones they were dealt to make a five-card hand.

Winning
Following the final round, all remaining players show their hands. The player with the best hand wins the pot.

Texas Holdem is a fun game that can change at any moment. It doesn't take long for players to become familiar with this variety of poker. It's a great game to introduce to inexperienced players.