Poker 102: Basic rules

Posted on Dec 18 in How to play (basics)by adminPrint

First of all: playing and watching others play is the best way to learn. Anyway, here are the basics of No Limit Texas Hold’em:

1. Usually there are about 10 people per game. There can be from 2 to millions of players.
2. Two face down random cards are given to each player. These are called starting hands.
3. In each table there is a Dealer (a different person in each game), a Big Blind to his second left (who has a forced minimum bet) and a Small Blind to his left (who has a forced minimum bet half the Big Blind). That way, a minimum pot is set depending on the payers and/or time.
4. The first person to bet is the one to the right of the Dealer. Players can fold (don’t bet nor play), call (match the previous bet, being the first time the Big Blind) or raise (increase the previous bet, as much as you want). All-in is when you bet all your money; then leftover chips will go into a side pot for remaining players.
5. When it comes to Big Blind’s turn, he can only raise or check (stay playing without paying). Call is impossible because he already has the maximum bet, and folding would be stupid because he isn’t risking any money. Bets are set until everybody has the same bet.
6. Three community cards are dealt face-up simultaneously in the middle of the table. These are called the flop.
7. Now the first to bet is the Small Blind. He can bet (as much money as he wants) or check. Others can now call, raise or fold. Bets are set again considering whichever combination considering your cards and community cards to have the best combination (see combinations here).
8. Another community card (now called Turn, there are four now) is dealt. Bets are set again.
9. Another community card (now called River, there are five now) is dealt. Bets are set again.
10. Once everybody’s got the same bet, cards are shown. The best combination wins all the pot money. Sometimes only one person hasn’t fold; then the winner can decide whether to show his cards or not.

I think this 2 videos can help you out:

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  [...] The most common of all them is Texas hold’em, which I’m going to explain on next post Poker 102: Basic Rules. [...]