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How To Play Texas Hold'em
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Synopsis:
Texas Hold'em is a
community card game where each player receives 2 of his own cards and then
shares an additional 5 cards that are common to all the players. Players must make the best possible 5-card poker hand
using any 5 of the 7 cards they can see. A player may use both, one, or neither
of his own cards to make up the best 5-card hand. There are four betting rounds.
Game
Play:
One
player acts as the dealer. This position is known as the "button" and
it rotates clockwise at the conclusion of each hand. In card rooms a disc is
placed in front of the player who represents the dealer, hence the name "button".
The two players to the immediate left of the dealer are the "small
blind" (the seat next to the dealer) and the "big blind" (two
seats to the left of the dealer). They are forced to ante money before any cards
are dealt, and this money forms the pot at this stage.
Each player is then dealt two cards face down that only they can see. These are known
as "hole cards". The first betting round then commences. The first
player to act is the one seated immediately to the left of the "big
blind". He is said to be "under the gun" because he must make the
initial betting decision based on his hole cards. Betting continues clockwise.
Players may "fold" their cards by "mucking them" and take no
further part in that particular hand. If a player wishes to remain in the hand
he must bet at least what the previous player has bet, known as a
"call". This minimum amount is initially represented by the size of
the "big blind's" ante, but if that amount is increased, known as
"a raise", then that amount becomes the minimum that other players
must match to remain in the hand.
When
the first betting round is complete three cards are dealt face-up. These are
shared by all the players and the first three cards are known as "the
flop.
The
second round of betting begins with the first remaining player seated to the
left of the button. The betting resumes, clockwise.
When
the second round of betting is complete a fourth card is dealt face-up. This
card is called the "turn" or "4th street".
The
third round of betting begins with the first remaining player seated to the left
of the button. The betting resumes, clockwise. In Limit hold'em games the size
of the bets double from this round of betting onwards.
When
the third round of betting is complete a fifth card is dealt face-up. This card
is called the "river" or "5th street".
The
fourth and final round of betting begins with the first remaining player seated
to the left of the button. The betting resumes, clockwise. If at any point a bet
is not called by any other player at the table then the player making that bet
wins the hand regardless of his cards. If the final bet made is called, or there
is no betting (players are said to "check down") the best live hand
wins the pot.
Hand
ranking in hold'em:
1. Straight flush: 5 consecutive cards all of the same suit. The highest straight
flush is A-K-Q-J-T all of the same suit. This hand is also called a "Royal
Flush".
2. Four of a kind: 4 identical cards. The highest four of a kind is A-A-A-A-K.
3. Full house: 3 identical cards + another pair of identical cards. The highest
full house is A-A-A-K-K.
4. Flush: 5 cards all of the same suit. A flush that contains the A of that suit is
the highest flush, known as the "nut flush".
5. Straight: 5 consecutive cards. The best straight hand is A-K-Q-J-T.
6. Three of a kind: 3 identical cards. The highest three of a kind is A-A-A-K-Q.
Three of a kind is also known as a "set".
7. Two pair: The highest two pair hand is A-A-K-K-Q.
8. One pair: The highest one pair hand is A-A-K-Q-J.
9. No pair: The highest no-pair hand is A-K-Q-J-9.
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