Texas Hold'em Rules
Learn the complete rules and gameplay of the world's most popular poker variant
Game Overview
Basic Setup
- Players: 2-10 players per table
- Cards per player: 2 private hole cards
- Community cards: 5 shared cards
- Goal: Make the best 5-card hand
- Betting rounds: 4 total rounds
Hand Formation
Important: You can use any combination of your 2 hole cards and the 5 community cards to make your best 5-card poker hand. You can use both hole cards, one hole card, or even none of your hole cards!
Interactive Game Walkthrough
Step 1: Blinds Posted
Two players post forced bets called 'blinds' to start the action
Small Blind: $1, Big Blind: $2
Betting Actions
FOLD
Give up your hand and forfeit the pot
When to use: When you have a weak hand or face large bets
CHECK
Pass action without betting (only when no bet to call)
When to use: When you want to see more cards without investment
CALL
Match the current bet to stay in the hand
When to use: With drawing hands or decent hands facing reasonable bets
RAISE
Increase the bet amount
When to use: With strong hands for value or as a bluff
Table Positions
Position is crucial! Later position = more information = better decisions. The button (dealer position) is the most powerful position in poker.
Betting Rounds Summary
Pre-flop
2 hole cards only
Tightest play required
Flop
+ 3 community cards
Hand strength clearer
Turn
+ 1 more card (4 total)
Drawing hands crucial
River
Final card (5 total)
Showdown value only