The Poker blog

The word “poker” can be very intimidating to many people.  But when you couple it with Texas Hold’em Poker, you may see people running out of the building.  Actually, Texas Hold’em Poker is very easy and can be learned fairly quickly.  The reason for this is that in Texas Hold’em there is no need to calculate the odds or count cards.  Following are some tips in playing this game.

BLINDS AND ANTES

The structure of the betting differs from time to time.  Antes are often used but, in most cases, the game will commence with two people on the left of the dealer.  These people will present a pre-determined amount of money on the table to get things going.  This is called the posting of the blind.  The dealer will then shuffle the deck.  We begin with 52 cards.

THE DEAL

Each player will then be dealt what is called “hole cards” or “pocket cards.”  These cards are facing down on the table.   The betting now begins.  The player to the left of the “blind” players begins.  This is referred to as the “pre-flop.”  The type of game you are playing will determine not only the amount of the bet but also the betting structure.   The same things apply in Texas Hold’em as in any other type of poker game when it comes to the raise, the fold and the check.

THE BURN CARD

The “burn card” refers to the card that the dealer peels off the top of the deck at the end of the first round of betting.  This helps to avoid any cheating by players.  The next three cards are then turned over by the dealer.  These cards are visible to all players so that they can use them to make a poker hand.  At this point, round #2 of the betting begins with the player to left of the dealer.

THE SECOND BURN CARD

Another “burn card” is flipped by the dealer as well as an additional card.  This additional card is called the “turn card.”  All players can use this card to make up a five card poker hand.  The same player as before will begin round #3 of the betting.  At this point, the bet will double in size.

ENDGAME

The dealer will now introduce a third “burn card” and place it face up on the table.  This card is called “the river.”  Now players can use the cards in their pocket  or their five cards to create a five card poker hand.  The final round again begins with the same player to the left of the dealer.

REVEAL HANDS

Now the Texas Hold’em Poker Showdown begins.  Each player, beginning with the one to the left of the dealer, now reveal their hands.  The player with the best cards is declared the winner.  If you have players with equal hands, then they must share in the winnings.

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Tags: Texas Hold'em Poker