Texas Holdem Skills: Understanding the Game
First introduced to the world in a small town in Texas around the turn of the 20th century, Texas Holdem has grown to take its place as the world’s most popular poker game. Think you’re ready to step up to the table?
Holdem is different than draw poker in that players try to create the best hand possible out of up to seven cards dealt. Five of those cards are visible to all the players, and act as the community cards, or the “board.” The game starts with each player being dealt two cards face down – these cards are known as the hole or pocket cards.
Since most Holdem games don’t require a player to ante up, the game often uses big blinds and small blinds in order to make sure there is some money in the pot. The small blind is put up by the player left of the dealer, usually half the amount of the big blind, put up by the player left of the small blind. The big blind then becomes the minimum bet in what is known as the “pre-flop” round of betting.
The dealer throws down a burn card, followed by three face-up community cards called “the flop.” Cue another round of betting, another burn card and then a fourth community card called “the turn.” More betting is followed by one more burn card and a last community card called “the river.”
After this comes the final round of betting, and if more than one player is still standing, the showdown, where regular poker rules apply to the winning hands. In the case that two players draw their best hands entirely from the community cards, then the pot is split between them.
Remember, before you think you’re on top of the world because you’ve got a pair of tens in the hole, there’s a lot more cards and possible combinations out there, especially in a game with a large number of players. Don’t let that stop you from agressive play, however, if you’re in a strong position before the flop. Come out strong and keep raising – if you can get others to fold, then you’ve help thin out the competition and increased your chances at winning. But if the flop doesn’t fall in your favor and it seems to cause a flurry of new betting, you might consider folding. There’s always the next hand.
Tom Shannahan has been playing poker since he was 16. He grew up watching his father play with friends once a week. He currently writes part time for Pokerlistings.com where you can find valuable information about Poker Rooms and Poker Room Reviews.
About the Author
Rating: Not yet rated