How to Play Texas Hold’em Poker

The game of Texas Hold'em Poker can be played by between two and ten players at a time. Firstly, each player is dealt two cards face down – these are referred to as the hole or pocket cards - and players then can decide whether they wish to bet and enter the pot, or instead to fold the cards.

Three communal or community cards – called the flop - are dealt face up in the middle of the table, and there then follows a second round of betting in which each player may again decide whether to stay in or fold.

A 4th communal card - the turn - is dealt face up, and there is another round of betting.

The 5th and final communal card – called the river - is dealt, once again face up. There is a last round of betting, and if two or more players stay in the pot, their hands are now shown (this is referred to as the showdown). The player in possession of the highest ranking hand takes the entire pot.

Now let’s take a look at each of these stages in more detail :