Texas Hold ‘em Guide

Texas Hold ‘em is by far the most popular form of poker played today. It has overtaken all other variants of the game, due to increased media exposure and its status as the official game of prestigious tournaments such as the World Series of Poker event. This is a generally easy-to-follow, uncomplicated community card game, that requires a good understanding of the rules.

The Objective

The objective of Texas Hold ‘em is to create the best possible poker hand by using five cards on the table and two cards from those dealt to hand. The player with the best hand at the end of the game wins the pot.

Betting Structures

There are two kinds of bets to make in Texas Hold ‘em: Antes (usually applicable to tournament play), which is when players make an agreed-upon- amount wager before each hand; and Blinds which involve two forced bets with each hand played. These are known as the small blind and the big blind.

Texas Hold ‘em Game Rules

There are four betting rounds involved in the game, which is played out as follows:

• 1. Cards are shuffled and then two pocket cards are dealt face down to each player.
• 2. The preflop round begins. Two players around the table place blind bets. Betting begins. Play advances by players deciding whether to call, raise or fold their cards.
• 3. The dealer burns the top card.
• 4. The flop round begins. The dealer deals three cards face up on the table. Players use these community cards to create poker hands, together with their own two dealt cards. A new round of betting begins and, again, players decide whether to call, raise or fold their cards.
• 5. Another card is burnt.
• 6. A fourth card is added face up to the communal cards on the table.
• 7. Betting begins again.
• 8. The river round begins. The dealer burns another card. A fifth communal card, known as the river card, is added to the table face up.
• 9. The last round of betting begins.
• 10. The showdown round begins. Any player still left at the table shows his cards. Players try to form their best possible hands by joining five communal cards with two dealt cards.
• 11. The player who produces the best hand is the winner of the pot and the game ends.

Tips and Strategies

• 1. If you have two good high cards, you have a good chance of advancing far in the game.
• 2. Play strong hands from early betting positions.
• 3. If you think you have a good chance of seeing the flop at a reasonable price, you can play medium strength hands from later positions.
• 4. You should play strong, high hands aggressively and most of the time.
• 5. Don’t shy away from raises – remember, the aim is to get rid of the competition.
• 6. You might just have to fold your high pair if you face much action with a threatening flop.
• 7. Understand the importance of communal cards and try and imagine what they could mean for someone else around the table.
• 8. Remain as emotionless as possible when you are dealt you two initial cards. Any telltale body language can reveal a lot to your opponents.

Conclusion

It is easy to understand the attraction of Texas Hold ‘em poker – a game that involves all the exciting elements of the game, along with a great social angle and a simple-to-understand format.