Holdem Poker for Beginners

Lace'em up tight, we're going to Texas Hold'em boot camp! There's no reason to drag the rules and regulations out over a span of several books on tape, or anything else as silly. The game is simple; it's players becoming more experienced that make the environment complicated.

First things first, you are going to have many questions about the game of poker in general. If you've never played poker, then you'll want to know how to rank hands, know when to hold'em and know when to fold 'em. Whatever it is that you need to know, it is highly recommended that you tap into the knowledge available at sites that offer online poker games. If you have never played Texas Hold'em, it is a game that you can learn quickly, and rapidly increase your level of play! You will undoubtedly want to refer to the glossary as well, after going through our little boot camp.

Before we begin our Texas Hold'em boot camp drills, make sure your head is clear and ready to quickly take in some information. Consider this a broad overview that will allow you to get your feet wet; you will definitely want to learn the game in more detail as there is more than one variety available to play.

You begin the game with a standard 52 card deck, it doesn’t matter if you play poker online or play live, it is she same game.. Depending on whom you are playing with, or where you are playing, opening bets may vary; however, you will traditionally post the big BLIND if you are the first player to be dealt a card. And you will know that you are the first by a dealer button placed in front of you. The second player will post the small blind. The blinds will rotate around the table following suit of the dealer button.

Each player will be dealt two cards. These are known as pocket cards or hole cards. From these cards, you will build your hand. First there will be a round of betting. To stay in the game, the other players must at least CALL, to equal the bet of the blinds on the table. The players who posted the blinds, obviously are in the action for the time being. In No Limit Texas Hold 'em (the most popular variety, especially if you play poker online) betting can continue until all bets are even or all but one player has folded. Players can also FOLD and toss their cards into the MUCK; which simply means they quit that hand because they didn't feel they could compete, or didn't want to. After all bets are even, the next three cards will be dealt.

The dealer will place three cards face up in the center of the table. These three cards are known as the FLOP and are used by all the players. All players still in the action can use their hole cards to build a hand with the flop. At this point, another round of betting ensues. If you do not wish to bet and no one has made a bet in front of you, you can CHECK, which means you pass to the next opponent. If another player makes a bet, you will have to call to stay in the game. You can also RAISE which means you equal the bet and add more to it. And again, you can fold. (A small hint: if you are not working on a strong hand at this point, get out of the game before you start putting more chips into the pot) Once all bets are even, the next round will ensue.

This time the dealer will turn over a fourth card used by all players called the TURN. Again, a round of betting ensues. And in the No Limit variety, it can continue, thus there is no limit. After this round of betting, the final deal is made.

The dealer will lay down the final card which is known as the RIVER. Coincidentally, this is where many players drown. Now, each player is creating the strongest hand of 5 cards out of the 7 available. You can use the 5 on the table; 4 on the table and 1 in your hand; or your 2 hole cards and any 3 on the table. Again, another round of betting ensues, and if it comes to the end and all bets are equal, remaining players show their cards and the highest ranking