How To Play Texas Holdem

Texas Holdem is the most popular type of poker that is frequently played online and at physical, land-based casinos. It is also the variant of poker that can be seen in movies, including the likes of Casino Royale. Perhaps the reason for Texas Holdem being the preferred type for many punters is the simplicity of the game to understand, but the steep learning curve required to be amongst the very best. This allows players to watch televised events and admire the skills of others, while also understanding everything that is happening at the table. In this guide, we detail how to play Texas Holdem, with a variety of information that may be beneficial to newer players. 

In order to take a round of Texas Holdem, players have two options. The first is to have the best hand, which will be determined at the end of the round. Alternatively, if the player is the only person that hasn't folded their hand, they will also take the pot. 

Learning the ranking for each hand in Texas Holdem is the most logical way for beginners to start. Players can combine their cards with the ones in the centre of the table, known as the community cards, to make the best possible hand. Here is a quick list, starting from the worse hands and moving on to the best:

• High card - This is determined by the value of the card itself. For example, if someone has a 9, it will beat a 3.
• Pair - Two cards with the same face value will create a pair. For example, a jack of hearts and a jack of spades.
• Two pair - Same as the above pair, but if two can be made during the same hand. For example, two jacks and two kings.
• Three of a kind - Three cards with the same face number, or value, will create three of a kind. For example, three aces.
• Straight - Five cards that run in a sequence, regardless of suit. For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
• Flush - This is five cards of the same suit. For example, 4, 6, 9, J, and K of spades.
• Full House - A full house consists of three of a kind, alongside a pair. For example, 3 sevens and 2 jacks.
• Four of a kind - Four cards of the same face value. For example, 4 sixes. 
• Straight flush - A straight flush is 5 consecutively running cards with the same suit. For example, the 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of clubs.
• Royal flush - The top hand in the game of Texas Holdem is a royal flush, which is the 10, J, Q, K, and A of the same suit. 

When the game begins, the dealer will give each player 2 cards, known as 'hole cards'. These are to be seen by the respective player only. A round of action will then commence, with players either betting, folding, raising, re-raising, checking, or calling. Betting is the first bet of the round, folding is when the hand is laid down and the bet forfeited, raising is when players bet more than the current required stake, and re-raising is when another player raises after another. Checking is when a player opts to continue the round without betting, which can either be checked back by other players, or another action can be chosen. Finally, there is calling, which is when a player matches the existing bet. 

After one round of betting has concluded, the 'flop' will commence, with the dealer placing three cards on the table. The next round of betting will then commence before another card is added to the middle, this being known as the 'turn'. After this, there will be another round of action, before the 'river' is dealt. Players can then make their final decisions before the pot is awarded to the respective player.

That's an overview of the most played poker type in the world, Texas Holdem. It's one of the easiest poker variations to learn and as a result, is likely the first that people will learn. From playing in a casino to a friendly game, Texas Holdem certainly has a lot of fun, and competition, to offer.