Basic Gameplay To start the game, each player is dealt 2 cards face down. The player to the left of the dealer must bet half of the minimum bet immediately. The next player must bet the minimum bet. These mandatory upfront bets are called the small and big blinds. The player after the second blind can then choose to call (bet the minimum), raise (bet more than the minimum), or fold (not play this round). Betting goes around the table. It is then time for the "flop". Three cards are dealt face up. These are shared amongst all players. For example, if you have a King and another King comes up on the flop, then you have a pair of Kings. After the flop, there's another round of betting. Then, a 4th shared card is dealt face up. Then more betting. Finally, a 5th shared card is dealt followed by a round of betting. Any players still in the game can then show their cards. The player with the best 5-card hand is the winner. Order of Hands Only the best 5 cards play even though 7 are available to each player. For example, if you hold a 4 and a 2 and then the flop comes up 9,9,9,4,10...you have a full house nines over fours. This is a list of hands from best to worst. Straight Flush 5 cards in a row, same suit A,K,Q,J,10 diamonds Four of a Kind 4 cards of the same rank 3,3,3,3 Full House 3 of one rank, 2 of another 5,5,5,9,9 Flush 5 cards of the same suit A,10,9,4,2 hearts Straight 5 cards in a row 5,4,3,2,A Three of a Kind 3 cards of the same rank 2,2,2 Two Pair 2 sets of 2 cards of the same rank Q,Q,5,5 One Pair 1 set of 2 cards of the same rank 9,9,Q,7,2 High Card any cards, the highest wins A,J,10,9,2 How to Play Texas Hold 'em Poker What's the best way to make a lot of money? There are all kinds of theories on this, but it seems that experience is the best thing to have. But here's some advice...Only play a round if you really like your starting 2 cards. For example A,K or K,K. Here's where high cards are best. If you hold a pair of 7s, you might want to consider folding. Other than that, be careful what you bet. Do you really think that you have the best hand? Watch out for other possibilities. Is someone trying for a Straight? A Flush? Could they have Three of a Kind? A Full House??!?!!!!???. No one ever has Four of a Kind. |
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