Texas Hold’em Poker Rules
Today we’re gonna learn the rules of Texas Holdem poker. It’s a fun card game that’s played with a normal 52-card deck. You can enjoy playing poker with your friends and family. But before we start playing, we need to learn the rules of the game.
The Objective of The Game
The objective of Texas Hold’em Poker is to have the best five-card hand at the end of the game. To make a hand, you need to use two of your own cards and three of the community cards (cards that are dealt face-up on the table).
What are the rules for all in Hold ’em?
In Texas Hold’em, we use the term “all in” when a player bets all of their remaining chips. When a player decides to go all-in, they effectively risk their entire stack, and they can only win up to the amount that they’ve bet from each player involved in that hand. Some important rules that one should know when playing ‘all in‘ in Texas Hold’em as per the rules of Texas Hold’em poker are as follows:
- Players can only go all in when they have chips left to bet. If a player has no chips left, they cannot go all in.
- When a player goes all in, they are eligible to win the pot up to the point of their all-in bet. Any additional bets made by other players will be placed in a side pot, which the all-in player is not eligible to win.
- If multiple players go all in in a hand, multiple side pots may be created, with each all-in player being eligible to win the pot up to the amount of their bet.
- If a player is forced to go all in due to not having enough chips to make a required bet, and they lose the hand, they are considered “all-in blind” and they wouldn’t be required to post any additional blinds or antes in future hands.
- If a player goes all in and wins the pot, they are not required to show their cards unless other players are remaining in the hand who have not yet folded.
Remember that these rules apply specifically to Texas Hold’em, and other forms of poker may have different rules regarding all-in betting.
Also See: Texas Hold’em Tie Breaker Rules You Should Be Aware Of
Hand Ranking In Poker
Before we learn how to play, we need to know the different types of hands that are used in poker. Here they are, ranked from best to worst:
Royal Flush
A Royal Flush is considered to be the best possible hand that one can make in poker and is also unbeatable. It’s made up of an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10, all in the same suit.
Straight Flush
A Straight Flush is any five cards of the same suit in sequence. For example, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack of diamonds.
Four of a Kind
Four of a Kind consists of four cards having the same rank plus one other card, for example, four Queens plus one other card.
Also See: Poker Quads vs Full House : Which Hand Wins in Poker?
Full House
A Full House is a combination of three of a kind and a pair. For example, three Aces and two Sevens.
You Might Also Like: Does a Full House Beat a Straight Flush in Poker?
Flush
A Flush is any five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence.
Straight
A Straight is any five cards in sequence, but not of the same suit.
Three of a Kind
Three of a Kind is three cards of the same rank. For example, three Kings.
Two Pair
Two Pair as the name suggests consists of two cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. For example, two Kings and two Eights.
One Pair
One Pair is a hand that has two cards of the same rank. For example, two Queens.
High Card
If none of the above hands are made, the highest card in the hand determines the winner. For example, if two players have no pairs, the highest card holder wins.
How Do You Play Texas Hold’em Step by Step? | How do you play Texas Holdem poker for beginners?
According to the rules of Texas Hold’em Poker, here is a simple step by step guide to playing poker:
- Set up the game: To begin with, players should agree on the minimum and maximum bets, and the dealer should shuffle the deck and deal two cards to each player. These cards are known as “hole” or “pocket” cards and are kept face down.
- Place your bets: Once the cards are dealt, the player to the left of the dealer places the first bet. This is called the “small blind.” The player to their left then places the “big blind” which is typically double the amount of the small blind.
- Deal the community cards: The dealer then deals three community cards face up in the middle of the table. These cards are what we call “the flop” which are shared by all players.
- Bet again: After the flop, players have the option to bet, check or fold. Bets continue clockwise around the table, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
- Deal more community cards: Once the round is complete, the dealer deals a fourth community card face up on the table. This is known as “the turn.”
- Bet again: After the turn, another round takes place, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
- Deal the final community card: Finally, the dealer deals the fifth and final community card face up on the table. This is known as “the river.”
- Bet for the final time: After the river, the final round takes place. If two or more players are still in the game, the player with the best five-card hand made up of their two hole cards and the five community cards wins the pot.
Visit Here for a detailed overview of points 3-8 that talks about the flop, turn & river in poker.
What are the basic rules of Texas Hold’em? | Texas Hold’em Poker Rules
Now that we know the different types of hands, let’s learn how to play Texas Hold’em Poker. The rules of Texas Holdem poker are pretty simple, let’s get on to the basic terms first.
Also Read: Poker Lingo | Poker Game Terms That You Must Know
The Dealer Button
The first thing you need to know is that there’s a special marker called the dealer button. The dealer button moves clockwise around the table after each hand, so everyone takes turns being the dealer.
The Blinds
Before the game starts, two players to the left of the big blind have to put in bets called “blinds“. The player to the dealer’s left puts in the small blind (usually half the minimum bet), and the player to their left puts in the big blind (usually the minimum bet).
The Hole Cards
Once the blinds are in, each player gets two cards face down. These are called “hole cards” and they’re yours to keep secret.
The Flop, Turn, and River
After everyone has received their hole cards, 3 cards are dealt face up in the middle of the table. This is called “the flop”. Then, one card is dealt face up at a time, and after each card, there’s a round of betting. The fourth card is known as “the turn”, and the 5th card, is “the river”.
Also See: Flop Turn And The River In Poker and How They Got These Names
The Showdown
After the last round of betting, any remaining players reveal their hands. The player that makes the best 5-card hand wins the pot.
Poker Actions
What Are the 5 Actions in Poker? Action Rules of Texas Holdem Poker
Check
If there hasn’t been any betting yet, you can “check”. This means you don’t bet anything, but you get to stay in the game.
Bet
If you want to bet, you can put in some chips. The minimum bet is usually of the same amount as that of the big blind.
Call
If someone else has bet, you can “call” their bet by putting in the same amount of chips.
Raise
If you want to bet more than someone else, you can “raise” their bet by putting in more chips.
Fold
If you don’t like your hand and you don’t want to bet any more chips, you can “fold”. This means you’re out of the game until the next hand starts.
Showdown
The showdown is the final part of a poker hand, where the remaining players reveal their cards to determine the winner. Here are the showdown rules you need to know:
When to Show Your Cards: For the showdown, you must follow the betting rules. The last player to bet or raise during the final betting round shows their cards first. If all remaining players are checking during the last betting round, the first player to the left of the dealer who did not discard must show their cards first. The other players then reveal their cards clockwise around the table.
You Might Also Like To Know About: The History of Texas Hold’em
Tips and Tricks For Texas Hold’em Poker
Apart from the rules of Texas Holdem poker, you can follow these tips and tricks to help you win at Texas Hold’em Poker.
Manage Your Bankroll
Do not bet more than the amount that you think you can afford to lose. It’s important to manage your bankroll so that you can keep playing.
Don’t Chase Losses
If you’re on a losing streak, don’t try to win back all your money in one hand. It’s a wise decision to fold and wait for a better hand.
Pay Attention to Your Opponents
Take a closer look at what’s happening in the game. Watch how your opponents are playing. If they’re bluffing a lot, you can try to catch them in the act.
Know When to Fold and Be OKAY with it
Don’t be afraid to fold if you don’t have a good hand. It’s better to save your chips for a better hand.
Stay Focused
It’s easy to get distracted during a long game, but it’s important to stay focused on the game. Don’t let your mind wander.
What is The Best Hand in Poker?
The royal flush which consists of A, K, Q, J, and 10 all of the same suit is considered to be the best hand in poker, which is invincible.
Which is better a full house or a flush?
Is Ace 2 3 4 5 a Straight in Texas Hold’em?
Rules of Texas Holdem Poker Conclusion
Texas Holdem Poker is a fun game that anyone can learn to play. Remember the different types of hands A.K.A the poker hand rankings/poker sequence, the different types of bets, and these tips and tricks to help you win. Good luck!
How to Play Texas Hold’em Poker Games Online?
Ready to put your Texas Hold’em skills to the test now that you have learnt Texas Hold ’em poker rules thoroughly? With a few clicks, you can join free poker games and work your way up to the big leagues by playing poker online.
Don’t jump straight into the real money games, though. Start with play money options to get a feel for the game. These games are risk-free, so you can learn the ins and outs of the game without losing any real cash. Plus, the hand rankings and betting rounds will become second nature in no time.
Freeroll tournaments offer actual prizes, from free money to free entries into real money games online.
With online poker, the possibilities are endless. All you need to do is download the BLITZPOKER app and practice your game, meet new players, and maybe even hit it big. Follow these simple rules of Texas Holdem poker online and get started today to see where the cards take you.