Texas Hold'em Poker Rules

One player is designated as the dealer. In casino and online poker rooms the player who is the dealer is indicated by a dealer button. The dealer rotates one player clockwise after every hand.

Antes / Blind

Depending on the game structure players are required to make ante and/or blind bets before the deal. For example, in most limit games the player one position to the left of the dealer makes a small blind bet and the player two positions to the left of the dealer makes the big blind bet.

Deal

Each player is dealt 2 down cards.

First Round of Betting

The first round of betting is completed in accordance with the selected betting structure - limit, pot limit or no limit.

Flop

Three cards are dealt as community cards to the board.

Second Round of Betting

The second round of betting is completed.

Turn

A fourth community card is dealt to the board.

Third Round of Betting

The third round of betting is completed.

River

A fifth community card is dealt to the board.

Fourth Round of Betting

The fourth and final round of betting is completed.

Showdown

Any players who remain after the fourth round of betting make the best 5 card poker hand using standard hand rankings. There is no restriction on how many cards the player must use from the board or their hand, as long as 5 cards in total are used. The ranking of the hands are compared and the pot is awarded to the highest ranked hand. In event of a tie the pot is divided equally.

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