Texas holdem is another form of poker and is highly popular.
There are several variations to the game with the basic rules remaining the same, with the difference being in the betting structure, limit of play etc. Texas holdem is sometimes compared to Omaha poker which has a similar structure. However, the difference lies in the number of hole or pocket cards. Here are the steps that explain how to play Texas holdem:
Just as in the case of Omaha poker, there are two constants in Texas holdem. These are the button and the blinds. The button is a fixed marker, which indicates the current dealer while the blinds are the first forced bets, which have to be put by the players to the left of the dealer. The immediate player on the left of the dealer puts in a small blind while the second person to the left of the dealer puts in the big blind.
Once this is clear, the dealer deals two cards to the players. These cards are face down and are the pocket or hole cards. As the two players to the left of the dealer have made their forced bets, the game begins with the person to the left of the player who had put in the big blind. The player according to the cards dealt can call, raise, bet or fold his cards. The betting then continues in the clockwise direction.
The first round of betting is followed by a round of cards being dealt. Three cards face up are dealt in the center of the table. These cards are called the flop and are community cards available for everyone to use. The players use the community cards in conjunction with their hole cards to make the best hand of five cards.
After the flop is placed, the player to the left of the dealer starts the betting each time. The player has a chance to bet or check. After the round of betting, a fourth card called the “turn” is dealt. This again is a community card available for all players and this card is dealt face up. The “turn” is followed by another round of betting and again the players can check, fold, raise, bet or fold.
After the betting round, the last card is dealt. This is the “river” or the “fifth street”. The last of the community cards, the “river” is dealt face up and the players now have five community cards along with their two hole cards to make the best five-card poker hand. After the turn is dealt, it is followed by another round of betting. The players remaining after the betting show their cards and the player with the best hand wins the game and the pot.
The game of Texas holdem is interesting as there are five community cards available for all players and there are times when the cards on the board make up a better hand than any of those with the players. In such a scenario, the pot is divided amongst the remaining players. To be successful at the game, one must be fully conversant with the jargon and terminology of the game. There are several websites that provide this information. Therefore, those interested in learning Texas holdem can always use them.
The most recommended poker sites for playing Texas Holdem are Everest Poker and Party Poker. Both are great poker rooms with very generous poker bonuses.