We can be sure that you have already heard about Texas Holdem Poker which is the most widespread one in the world and probably you already know how to play poker. Why is so famous? Such elements as the Internet, casinos, live TV broadcasts, attracting viewers to the game have made Texas Holdem the most popular kind of poker on the planet. The game became attractive to lots of people because of its simple, catchy rules
As the Americans say: “You can learn poker in a minute, but it can take a lifetime to achieve mastery.” Why? Because poker is a game of luck, but also it requires really great skill, and we will teach you this! And after reading the article, you will acquire all the necessary knowledge about how to play poker, we will pay special attention to Texas Holdem Poker!
1. What is Texas HoldEm Poker?
Texas Holdem as a form of poker is a fairly young game and its exact origin is unknown. It is believed that it was originated in Texas at the beginning of the 20th century and was simply called Holdem. Also, it is believed that this game was first played in Robstown, Texas. In 1925 poker became popular in Dallas (an American’s state) and after that, it was spread throughout all of America very soon.
Of course, it’s easy to guess where the first word of the game’s name came from, but nobody knows the secret of the second one. It says that the name Holdem was originated from the popular in the 50s of the XIX century poker variant which is called “Hold me Darling”.
The game quickly gained popularity among players and people learned how to play poker. For example, Doyle Brunson a legend of the world Texas Holdem wrote the book “Super System” which has become the main book for lots of players.
If you want to learn more fun facts about poker, please have a look at our article Learn Everything About Poker: History, Types, Types.
2. What Are the Rules of Texas Holdem And How To Play Poker?
The rules of Texas Holdem Poker are extremely simple and generally, it is known how to play poker. Why? Because everything players have to do is collect the best combination of 5 cards. Continue reading this article if you want to learn about all cards combinations!
The Orders
Players lay out 3 community cards (flop) on the table and conduct a round of betting. Then players layout twice on the 1st community card (turn and river), trading between the stages. So, in total, out of 7 cards (2 face down + 5 community) and the highest combination of 5 cards is assembled.
Preflop
Preflop is the initial stage of a poker game that precedes the flop in which the players are dealt hole cards.
Flop
Flop is the second betting round in community card games. In this round, three community cards are placed on the table. It is the key to the game as the potential of the players’ pocket cards because now their chances of winning become clear.
Turn
Turn is another card from the deck and a fourth poker community card which is called the fourth street.
River
The river is the most infamous of community cards in Texas Holdem Poker which is also called the fifth street.
Blinds
Blinds in Texas Holdem Poker is compulsory bets from players, these bets are placed even before it deals. The main goal of the blinds is the creating of the starting pot. There are 2 kinds of blind: ‘Big Blind’ and ‘Small Blind’.
Big Blinds
Big Blinds in Texas Holdem Poker is the larger of the two mandatory blinds. The size of the big blind depends on the limit played and is almost always twice the size of the small blind. The position of the big blind is clarified by the dealer’s position so it’s detected to the left of the small blind’s position. On each hand, the dealer’s position is shifted one position clockwise.
Small Blinds
Small Blinds is the lower of the two compulsory blind bets. The position of the small blind at the poker table is determined based on the position of the dealer and is immediately behind it clockwise (to the left of the dealer). The player makes the second-to-last decision preflop.
3. The Hands in Texas Holdem
Before you sit down at the game table, you need to remember how to play poker (poker hands). There are general rules for all poker “hands”: any combination consists of five cards. If two hands refer to the same combination, then the seniority is determined depending on the seniority of the cards. You need to remember that priorities are not established between the suits.
Royal Flush
Highest poker hand. A royal flush consists of a straight-up to an ace and a flush, that is, it consists of the ace, king, queen, jack, and ten of the same suit. If two players have a royal flush, the pot in Texas Holdem Poker is divided equally between them.
Straight Flush
A straight flush, like a royal flush, consists of a straight and a flush, but its highest poker card is not an ace. An example of a straight flush is nine, eight, seven, six, and five of the same suit.
Four of a Kind
This poker “hand” is containing four cards of the same rank, such as four aces or four jacks. If two players have Four of a Kind, the one with the highest quads wins but if both players have four of the same rank, the player with the higher fifth card gets the poker pot.
Full House
Three cards of one rank and two of the other. When two players have a full house, the one with the highest combination wins in Texas Holdem Poker.
Flush
A flush is a hand of five cards of the same suit. When two or more players have a flush, the player with the highest card wins. If the highest cards of the two players match, the next two ones are compared.
Straight
The sequence of five off-suit cards.
Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank.
Two Pair
Two pairs of cards of any suit.
One Pair
Two cards of the same rank.
High Card
None of the above combinations.
Dead Hands
Poker cards combination which contains aces and eights of black suits. According to legend, “Wild West thunderstorm” Bill Hickok was holding these hands when he was shot in 1876.
4. Betting and Racing in Texas Holdem Poker
Betting in Texas Holdem is an important stage in the game and the main key to learning how to play poker. Because without bets, there would be no interest in winning and it would not be profitable for players.
Every player has the right to do the following at the Texas Holdem table:
- Check
Skipping a turn (if other players have not placed a bet).
- Call
Another player’s bet equation (a way to continue the game without raising the bet).
- Bet
This is the first poker bet on the current round.
- Raise
Raising a bet previously made by other players.
- Fold
Discard cards and stop participating in a particular Texas Holdem Poker game.
- All-In
Bet maximum chips on the table.
5. Limit and No Limit Texas Holdem Poker
How to play poker and why limits are so important? In Limit Texas Holdem there is usually only one blind where you have to play with a fairly strong hand because in this game it is almost impossible to get a player out of the hand. In No Limit Texas Holdem can be games with multiple blinds but you can force your opponents to fold by using your position and your money.
No Limit Texas Holdem Poker is also much more difficult than Limit Holdem Poker because you have a lot more ways to maneuver, however, in Limit Holdem you can use a few nice tricks, but most of the time you just need to play a good hand.
6. Final Thoughts
If you like board games we definitely recommend you to try playing Texas Holdem Poker. The knowledge we had shared in this article will definitely help you and you will be able to know how to play poker. The rules are really simple however, it may take time to understand how to play poker and not to make mistakes. That’s why we recommended you not to waste time and start gaining your poker experience right now! Understand how to play poker by playing it online!
