How to Play Poker (Texas Hold’em)

Visual Example (Hole Cards + Board)

Below is a sample hand and board to illustrate how community cards work in Texas Hold’em.

Table Setup: Dealer Button & Blinds

Each hand has a rotating dealer button. Two forced bets called blinds are posted to create action.

• Small Blind (SB): posted by the player to the left of the dealer
• Big Blind (BB): posted by the player to the left of the small blind

Table Positions

Position determines when you act during a hand. Acting later gives you more information and is a major advantage.

• Button (BTN): best position, acts last after the flop
• Small Blind (SB) and Big Blind (BB): weakest positions
• UTG (Under the Gun): first to act pre-flop
• Cutoff (CO): position right before the button

Betting Rounds

• Pre-Flop: players receive two cards and betting begins
• Flop: three community cards are revealed
• Turn: a fourth community card is revealed
• River: the fifth and final community card
• Showdown: remaining players reveal hands and the best hand wins

Player Actions

• Check: pass the action without betting
• Bet: place chips into the pot
• Call: match the current bet
• Raise: increase the bet
• Fold: give up your hand and forfeit the pot

Hand Rankings (Best to Worst)

• Royal Flush
• Straight Flush
• Four of a Kind
• Full House
• Flush
• Straight
• Three of a Kind
• Two Pair
• One Pair
• High Card

Beginner Tips

• Play more hands in late position
• Avoid weak hands out of position
• Think in ranges, not exact cards
• Strong hands should aim to build the pot
• Folding is often the best decision