While there are many ways of playing Texas Hold’em, the basic rules remain static. This in itself is a first basic rule to remember and it is only the basic rules that we’ll concern ourselves here.

To begin the game, the dealer position is determined and a dealer button placed, so that everyone knows where they are around the table. Position is important in this game either in the real world or online and knowing your position will determine how you play your game.

The player to the dealer’s immediate left posts the small blind, which is half of the table’s lower limit before any cards are dealt. The player to his left posts the big blind, which is equal to the table’s lower limit.

Each player is then dealt two hole cards, which are face down. Naturally, each player looks at their own hole cards but conceals them from the other players. The first betting round then begins with the player sitting at the left of the big blind who may choose to bet, call, raise, check or fold. The decision depends upon the player’s position and the actions of the other players. Betting continues clockwise around the table until every player has made their decision.

The first three community cards (the flop) are now dealt face up in the table’s centre and the next round of betting commences. These cards are shared by all players in order to make up the best hand they can in conjunction with their two hole cards.

Next, a fourth community card called the Turn is dealt dace up and the third betting round commences in similar fashion to the previous two.

Next, the fifth community card known as the River is dealt face up in the table’s centre and this is once again followed by a round of betting.

After the fourth and final betting round is complete, is the showdown, where players can reveal their two hole cards. This starts with the last player to bet or raise and they must show their hand, while other players have the choice to muck, or not reveal their hole cards. The strongest five card hand comprising the two hole cards and any three of the five community cards wins the pot.