Texas Holdem is one of the most popular poker variants in the world, enjoyed in home games, online platforms, and professional tournaments. It combines skill, strategy, and psychology, making it a thrilling choice for beginners and seasoned players alike. If you’re looking to understand the basics of the game and how to play it confidently, this guide will walk you through every step.

What You Need to Play Texas Hold’em

Before diving into the gameplay, ensure you have the essentials:

• A standard 52-card deck
• Poker chips for betting
• A dealer button (if not playing online)
• 2–10 players

Whether you’re playing casually or competitively, the setup remains mostly the same.

Understanding the Goal of the Game

The main goal in Texas Hold’em is to make the best five-card poker hand using your two private cards (known as hole cards) and five community cards on the table. Alternatively, you can win the pot by making your opponents fold before the showdown.

Basic Rules and Game Structure

A full game of Texas Hold’em is played in a series of hands, each consisting of several stages:

1. The Blinds

The two players to the left of the dealer post the small blind and big blind to start the betting. This creates an initial pot and encourages action.

2. The Deal

Each player receives two face-down cards (hole cards). These are your private cards, visible only to you.

3. The Pre-Flop Betting Round

Players act clockwise starting from the left of the big blind. They can:

• Fold (give up the hand)
• Call (match the current bet)
• Raise (increase the bet)

4. The Flop

Three community cards are dealt face up in the center of the table. These can be used by all players to build their best hand.

5. The Second Betting Round

Another round of betting begins, starting with the first player to the left of the dealer still in the hand.

6. The Turn

A fourth community card is dealt, followed by another betting round.

7. The River

The fifth and final community card is revealed. This is followed by the final round of betting.

8. The Showdown

If more than one player remains after the final betting round, all players reveal their cards. The player with the best five-card hand wins the pot. If all others fold before the showdown, the last player remaining wins without showing their hand.