Home > Poker Rules

Texas Hold'em Poker Rules

Game Overview

Texas Hold'em is the most popular variant of poker. Each player is dealt two private cards, and five community cards are dealt face-up on the board. Players use any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards to make the best possible five-card poker hand.

Game Setup

  • 2-10 players can play at one table
  • Each player receives 2 hole cards (private cards)
  • 5 community cards are dealt on the board
  • Players use any 5 cards to make their best hand

Betting Rounds

Pre-flop

After receiving hole cards, first betting round begins

The Flop

3 community cards are dealt, second betting round

The Turn

4th community card is dealt, third betting round

The River

5th community card is dealt, final betting round

Player Actions

Fold

Give up your hand

Check

Pass without betting

Call

Match the current bet

Raise

Increase the bet

All-in

Bet all your chips

Hand Rankings (Highest to Lowest)

1. Royal Flush

A, K, Q, J, 10 all same suit

2. Straight Flush

Five cards in sequence, same suit

3. Four of a Kind

Four cards of same rank

4. Full House

Three of a kind + pair

5. Flush

Five cards same suit

6. Straight

Five cards in sequence

7. Three of a Kind

Three cards same rank

8. Two Pair

Two different pairs

9. One Pair

Two cards same rank

10. High Card

Highest card wins

Basic Strategy Tips

  • Play tight-aggressive: Play fewer hands but play them aggressively
  • Position matters: Later position gives you more information
  • Watch your opponents: Look for betting patterns and tells
  • Manage your bankroll: Don't play with money you can't afford to lose
  • Know when to fold: Sometimes folding is the best decision