Poker
The game that takes a minute to learn but a lifetime to master
Texas Hold'em Poker is the world's most popular poker game, combining skill, psychology, strategy, and a touch of luck. Players compete to build the best five-card poker hand using two private hole cards and five shared community cards. Every decision matters—from whether to fold a weak hand, call an opponent's bet, raise the stakes, or bluff your way to victory. With simple rules and endless strategic depth, Texas Hold'em is easy to learn and rewarding to master.
Texas Hold'em is typically played with 2 to 10 players using a standard 52-card deck.
Objective
Win chips by either:
- Holding the best five-card poker hand at showdown.
- Convincing every other player to fold before the showdown.
Setup
- Each player begins with an equal number of chips.
- A dealer button identifies the dealer position.
- The player to the dealer's left posts the Small Blind.
- The next player posts the Big Blind.
- Every player receives two private hole cards.
The Betting Rounds
1. Pre-Flop
Players receive their two hole cards.
Beginning with the player to the left of the Big Blind, players may:
- Fold
- Call
- Raise
Once all bets are matched, play continues.
2. The Flop
Three community cards are dealt face up.
Another betting round begins with the first active player to the left of the dealer.
Players may:
- Check
- Bet
- Call
- Raise
- Fold
3. The Turn
A fourth community card is revealed.
Another betting round follows.
4. The River
The fifth and final community card is revealed.
A final betting round takes place.
5. Showdown
If more than one player remains:
- Players reveal their hole cards.
- The best five-card poker hand wins the pot.
- If two or more players tie, the pot is split equally.
Building Your Hand
Each player creates the best possible five-card poker hand using:
- Their two hole cards.
- Any combination of the five community cards.
Players may use:
- Both hole cards
- One hole card
- Neither hole card (playing the board)
Betting Actions
During betting rounds, players may:
- Check — Pass the action without betting (only if no bet has been made).
- Bet — Place the first wager.
- Call — Match the current highest bet.
- Raise — Increase the current bet.
- Fold — Discard your hand and leave the current round.
Winning Without a Showdown
If every other player folds after a bet or raise, the remaining player immediately wins the pot without revealing their cards.
Poker Hand Rankings
From highest to lowest:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
Blinds
The Small Blind and Big Blind rotate clockwise after every hand to ensure all players contribute to the pot over time.
All-In
A player may wager all of their remaining chips at any time.
If multiple players continue betting after an all-in, side pots may be created.
Winning the Game
Cash games:
- Players may join or leave with chips according to the table rules.
Tournament play:
- Players are eliminated when they lose all of their chips.
- The last remaining player wins the tournament.