Probably the most popular poker variant, texas holdem poker surely arouses the interest of many beginner players. Complicated as it may seem, this poker variant is easy once you have learned its basic mechanics. Therefore, here are some directions on how to play texas holdem poker.
The Objective The objective of the game is similar to that of the other poker variants, which is to win the wagered bets, or the pots.
The Basics Before the any betting round begins, the two players at the left of the dealer pay for the blinds - a forced bet that makes sure that there is at least some amount in the pot. After the blinds are posted, the dealer distributes two cards, or pocket cards, to each of the players.
The pre-flop betting round is when the players bet their money based on their opinion of their own pocket cards. The first one to bet during this round is the player to the left of the big blind. Each player has a chance to match the preceding bet amount (call), bet more than the preceding amount (raise) or quit the entire game (fold) if he or she refuses to perform the betting actions.
The dealer then exposes the first three community cards, or the flop. As soon as the flop is exposed, players are to match their own pocket cards with the community cards. This time, the first one to take action is the player at left of the dealer. This player has a new betting option - to check. To check is when the player refuses to bet and passes the betting action to the succeeding player. Another betting round is resumed, and players again have to perform the necessary betting actions.
The turn is the fourth community card exposed by the dealer, and after this another betting round begins.
Finally, the fifth card is the river - this is when the players execute the last betting round of the texas holdem poker game. Those who remain in the game after the final betting round has ended are required to perform a showdown. A showdown determines which player has the highest card combination.
The player who has the highest card, that is, combining his pocket cards and the community cards, wins the game of the texas holdem poker.
Some Points to Note The dealer is determined through a rotation basis, so the players who pay the blinds are rotated as well.
A player only has the option to check if the player before him has also checked. Once the preceding player has raised the bet, the next player is required to raise or call.
Texas holdem poker is popular among beginners because the game is very easy to learn. As soon as you have learned the basics of the texas holdem poker, just bring out your strategies and bluffing skills and youre all set for the game!