Texas Holdem Poker Tips
Tips and tutorials on how to play texas holdem poker, how to place a winning bet & winning poker strategies
Before play begins, the first two players to the left of the button must post the "BLINDS". The first player to the button's left posts a small blind and the second player posts the large or big blind.
The dealer deals two cards (called hole cards) to each player. With blinds in place, the first player after the big blind ("under the gun") is the first to act. That player is facing a bet equal to the big blind and can fold his hand (by throwing his hand in to the dealer), call (by betting that amount) or raise (increasing the bet up to the table maximum for that round). Each player in a clockwise rotational order now faces the same decision. The dealer will control the action around the table until the betting round is completed with all bets being met by all players still holding cards.
With the first betting round complete, the dealer burns the top card on the deck and then deals the next three cards simultaneously face up in the center of the table. These three community cards are called the "flop" and are used by all players equally. The first player to the button's left, still in the hand, acts first after the flop. He can check, bet or fold. If he checks, the next player's options are the same. If during the round any player bets, all players must call, raise, or fold.
With the second round of betting complete, the dealer now burns another card and then deals a fourth community card face up. This card is commonly called the "TURN" or "FOURTH STREET".
With the third round of betting complete, the dealer burns one more card and deals the fifth and final card commonly called the "RIVER" or "FIFTH STREET". At this point, there is the fourth and final betting round.
The "SHOWDOWN" is the final step of the game. The players will turn over their hole cards and a winner will be determined. Players may use two cards, one card, or none of the cards in their hand in combination with the five community or board cards. "Cards Speak" so any cards turned face up will be read by the dealer. The pot will be pushed to that player by the dealer. In the case of a tie, the pot will be split. All cards will be collected and shuffled by the dealer for the next round of play. The button will be moved to the next seat to the left and blinds will move around the table accordingly.
Learning how to play poker begins here. Visit Mardi Gras Casino's card room or call us at 954-924-3200. You can also send us an email at info@mardigrascasinofl.com
Connect with David Litvin on Google+
