So you thought American baseball was the only sport with a World Series? Think again, buddy
. The sly, manipulative, shrewd and not to say very fun game of Texas Hold’em Poker has taken the world by storm.
Since ESPN began hosting and televising a big-money World Series event for the best poker players in the world, Texas Hold’em has become a favourite for weekend buddy get-togethers, Fridays at the office, and of course, the tables in Las Vegas and Macao. Now it’s time to grab those cards, put on your best poker face, and come to the table to learn the ins and outs of Texas Hold’em Poker!
1. The two players to the left of the dealer put out blind bets. The player directly to the dealer’s left puts out the small blind while the player two to the dealer’s left puts out the big blind.
2. Every player is dealt two cards, face down. These are called hole or pocket cards.
3. The first move falls on the player to the left of the big blind. She can either call the bet (keep it at the current amount), raise it, or fold (basically dropping out of that round). Betting continues around the table, clockwise.
4. After the betting is completed, three cards are dealt face up in the center of the table, which is referred to as the board. The first three cards in Texas Hold’em are called the flop. These cards are “community cards” meaning everyone can (and will) use them in combination with their own hole cards to make the best hand.
5. From the flop on, betting begins with the player to the dealer’s left, who can check or bet.
6. A fourth community card is dealt face up onto the board. This is called fourth street or the turn card.
7. Another round of betting.
8. The final community card is dealt face up. This card is also called fifth street or the river.
9. A final round of betting occurs. The remaining players show their cards and the person who can make the best five card hand by combining their pocket cards with the cards on the board wins.
Note: In some rare cases in Texas Hold’em, the five cards making up the board will actually be the best hand, in which case everyone left in the hand divides up the pot.
Lastly, we should probably give you a quick guide on what poker hand will beat what. Here you are:
1. Royal Straight Flush
A royal straight flush is when you have 10-J-Q-K-A, all of the same suit.
2. Straight Flush
Five cards, of the same suit, in order, such as 4-5-6-7-8 all of hearts.
3. Four of a Kind
Four of the same card, such as 8-8-8-8-5.
4. Full House
A set of three of a kind plus a pair, such as 10-10-10-3-3 or K-K-K-2-2.
5. Flush
Five cards all of the same suit, but not in order, such as 2-4-7-J-K of spades.
6. Straight
Five cards in a row, such as 3-4-5-6-7, but not all of the same suit.
7. Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same number or rank, such as 6-6-6. If you had Q-Q-Q-2-3, you’d have three of a kind.
8. Two Pair
Two pairs of cards of the same number or rank, such as 5-5-4-4. If you have a pair of sevens and a pair of nines, you’ve got two pair.
9. One Pair
Two cards that match, like K-K.
10. High Card
If no one has any of the above hands, the player with the highest card in their hand wins. Just having an ace in the hole is sometimes enough.
There ya’ have it folks. Remember, don’t get too caught up in the nitty gritties just yet, such as having the best poker face, or how, when, and why to bluff (and call someone else’s bluff!). As long as you keep playing, you’ll begin to understand why it makes sense to do some of these things, and why people make such a big deal about these other antics. For now, focus on getting the rules down, and doing the best you can to have the most advantageous hand. And remember, there’s nothing wrong with folding if you think you’ve got some crappy cards in the hole. Next time, we’ll discuss the best and the worst starting hands to have in Texas Hold’em. Till then, show me the money!
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