Traditional Texas Holdem Rules

Texas Holdem poker is a classic American casino staple. People from all walks of life enjoy it, but it does take a little study to be able to perform well at the table. Read on to learn all about the sequence of the game and walk away with a better knowledge of how it all works.

Basic Fundamentals

According to traditional Texas Holdem rules, as many as 10 people can participate and a standard 52-card deck is used. Each person receives two face-down. The first person to the left of the dealer places a small blind, which is ½ the minimum bet, and the second places a big blind which is the full minimum bet. However, this is just the beginning.

Flop

In the first round of the game, everyone at the table will begin placing their bets. If the game has a limit, the first round of betting will be a certain minimum amount. Everyone must either wager the same amount or fold their hands, with the option to raise, fold or call, before things can continue. After everyone has wagered, the dealer will place three face-up community cards on the table. This is referred to as the flop, and all participants can use them to build their hands with the goal of creating the best combination.

Turn

The person to the dealer's left may now open the second round with a check or bet, which will be of the same amount as in the previous round. Again, individuals must wager, call, or raise. Folding your hand is also an option. Each person must do one of these actions before play continues, according to the standard Texas Holdem rules. Once this has happened, the dealer performs the turn, by revealing a 4th face-up card on the table for a total of six.

River

For this round of the game, the person to the left of the dealer will begin again by checking or wagering an amount twice the number of the minimum. Participants may raise, bet, call and fold according to their discretion. They must bet or fold before the round can conclude and move into the next. The last face-up card of the hand is known as the river and it is the final one with which individuals can build their hands.

Showdown

As always, starting at the dealer's left, things progress with the bet at still twice the minimum amount. This is the 4th and final round, so participants must match the bet or fold before the last showdown. During the showdown, those who are still in the game will reveal the first two cards they were given. The one who has the best hand at this time wins the entire pot. In the event of a tie, the pot will be split evenly.

Now that you know all of the basic Texas Holdem rules, you will have an easier time playing. You'll also have a much better chance of winning. Internet casinos are great places to practice poker as the actions will be automated and you will not be faced with the stress of trying to make the right move with lots of people watching.