How to Play Texas Hold'em

The Basics

Texas Hold'em is the most popular form of poker in the world. Each player is dealt two private cards (known as "hole cards"), and five community cards are dealt face-up on the table. Players use any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards to make the best five-card poker hand.

The Flow of Play
1. The Blinds

Before any cards are dealt, two players must post forced bets called "blinds." The player to the left of the dealer posts the "small blind," and the next player posts the "big blind" (usually double the small blind).

2. The Deal (Hole Cards)

Each player receives two private cards face down. These are your "hole cards" that only you can see.

3. Pre-Flop Betting

Starting with the player to the left of the big blind, each player can fold, call the big blind, or raise. Action continues clockwise until all players have acted.

4. The Flop

Three community cards are dealt face-up on the table. Another round of betting begins, starting with the first active player to the left of the dealer.

5. The Turn

A fourth community card is dealt. Another round of betting follows.

6. The River

The fifth and final community card is dealt. A final round of betting takes place.

7. The Showdown

If two or more players remain after the final betting round, cards are revealed. The player with the best five-card hand wins the pot.

Betting Actions
  • Check: Pass the action to the next player without betting (only if no bet has been made).
  • Bet: Place chips into the pot.
  • Call: Match the current bet to stay in the hand.
  • Raise: Increase the current bet.
  • Fold: Discard your hand and forfeit any chips already in the pot.
  • All-In: Bet all your remaining chips.
Hand Rankings

From highest to lowest:

  1. Royal Flush
    A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit
  2. Straight Flush
    Five sequential cards of the same suit
  3. Four of a Kind
    Four cards of the same rank
  4. Full House
    Three of a kind plus a pair
  5. Flush
    Five cards of the same suit
  6. Straight
    Five sequential cards of any suit
  7. Three of a Kind
    Three cards of the same rank
  8. Two Pair
    Two different pairs
  9. One Pair
    Two cards of the same rank
  10. High Card
    Highest card when no other hand is made
Tips for Beginners
  • Start by playing tight - only play strong starting hands.
  • Position matters - playing later gives you more information.
  • Pay attention to your opponents' betting patterns.
  • Don't be afraid to fold - it's often the right play.
  • Manage your chip stack wisely.
  • Stay calm and have fun!