The Basics
Texas Hold’em is played with:
- 2-10 players
- A standard 52-card deck
- A dealer button that rotates
- Blinds to create action
The Flow of a Hand
1. The Blinds
Before any cards are dealt:
- Small Blind (SB): Player left of dealer posts half a bet
- Big Blind (BB): Next player posts full bet
2. Hole Cards
Each player receives 2 private cards face-down. Only you can see your cards.
3. Pre-Flop Betting
Starting left of the big blind, players can:
- Fold: Give up your cards
- Call: Match the big blind
- Raise: Increase the bet
4. The Flop
Three community cards are dealt face-up. Another betting round follows, starting with the player left of the dealer.
5. The Turn
A fourth community card is dealt. Another betting round.
6. The River
The fifth and final community card is dealt. Final betting round.
7. Showdown
If multiple players remain, the best 5-card hand wins.
Betting Options
| Action | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Check | Pass action (when no bet to you) |
| Bet | Put chips in (when no bet to you) |
| Call | Match the current bet |
| Raise | Increase the bet |
| Fold | Surrender your cards |
| All-In | Bet all your chips |
Making Your Hand
You have 7 cards available (2 hole + 5 community). You make the best 5-card hand using:
- Both hole cards + 3 community
- One hole card + 4 community
- Zero hole cards (play the board)
Example Hand
Your cards: A♠K♠
Board: Q♠J♠10♥4♣2♦
Your best hand: A♠K♠Q♠J♠10♠ — Royal Flush!
You use both hole cards and three board cards.
Betting Structures
No-Limit (Most Common)
You can bet any amount up to your entire stack at any time.
Pot-Limit
You can bet up to the current pot size.
Fixed-Limit
Bets and raises are predetermined amounts.
Position Matters
Position is crucial in Hold’em:
| Position | Name | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| First to act | UTG (Under the Gun) | Worst - least info |
| Middle | MP | Moderate |
| Late | CO, Button | Best - most info |
| Blinds | SB, BB | Worst post-flop |
The button (dealer) position is most advantageous because you act last.
Basic Strategy Tips
- Play tight early — Fold weak hands
- Use position — Play more hands when in position
- Don’t limp — Raise or fold pre-flop
- Consider pot odds — Is your draw profitable?
- Pay attention — Watch opponents’ tendencies
Common Mistakes
- Playing too many hands
- Calling too much (instead of raising or folding)
- Ignoring position
- Not adjusting to opponents
- Going on tilt after losses
Quick Reference
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| AA, KK, QQ, AK | Always raise |
| Medium pairs (77-JJ) | Raise or call based on position |
| Suited connectors | Play in position with deep stacks |
| Weak hands (72, 83, etc.) | Fold |
Ready to Play?
The best way to learn is practice. Start with small stakes or play money, and gradually develop your skills. Remember: every pro was once a beginner!