How to Play Hold'Em - Casino Game

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How to Play Hold'Em

Texas Hold 'Em is by far the most popular poker game in the world. It has been immortalized on television in the World Series of Poker and the popular Matt Damon film Rounders. Hold 'Em changed the poker world forever. The game is now played in bars, casinos, homes, online, in dorm rooms and everywhere around the world. It is a simple game to learn. Mastering it often takes a lifetime.

Here is how it works:
Each player is dealt two cards face down that they are not to share with other players. These are called 'hole cards.'

There is a round of betting; players can call, raise or fold.

Two players are forced to bet the small blind and the big blind. This builds the pot. The first round of betting allows other players to become involved.

The best position in Texas Hold 'Em is the 'Dealer.' This is the person who acts last in the wagering once the cards are dealt and can determine his or her strategy from there.

Once betting has closed, three community cards are dealt face up. These cards can be played by all players. This is called a flop. A round of betting follows.

Then a 'turn' card another community card is dealt, followed by a round of betting.

Finally, the river card is dealt, followed by a final round of betting. The best five card hand from the seven cards wins.

The best hand possible is a royal flush. This is five consecutive cards of the same suit, 10 through ace. For instance, 10s, Js, Qs, Ks, As. This is also considered a straight flush, which is the top ranked had. You can have a straight flush that is not a royal flush example 2s 3s 4s 5s 6s.

Four of a kind is the second best hand, that is all four of the cards in a deck (example: Js, Jc, Jd, Jh).

This is followed by a full house, which is three of one cards and two of an another (example: Js, Jd, Jh, 2h, 2s).

Next is a flush, which is five cards of the same suit, non consecutive.

After a flush comes a straight five consecutive cards of different suits.

After that is three of a kind, followed by two pair, followed by a high card.

In beginning Hold 'Em, players who use the best starting hands generally play well. The top rated starting hand is a pair of aces, or AA. It is followed by KK.

After that, QQ, JJ, AK suited and 10 10 are next on the list, followed by AK offsuit, AQ suited, KQ suited, AQ offsuit.

While starting hands are just that, beginning Hold 'Em players should limit themselves to hands like this until they get a good feel for the game. There are many forms of Hold 'Em including No Limit Hold 'Em, which is the most aggressive betting game. There is also limit Hold 'Em, which limits the amount a player can bet.

The best way to learn is to try some online play. Many places offer free play where players can hone their games and figure out what hands win most often. Hold 'Em is now offered in casinos around the world, in video games, online, and probably in your local pub. It is easy to find a game. Take some time, however, to learn the basics before you play and you will find you have a much more enjoyable experience.