Texas Holdem Game Rules
Preflop:
In Texas Holdem the dealer is predetermined and is signified by a small round disk known as the dealer button. The dealer gives each player their 1st of 2 hole cards placed face down on the table. Then the second hole card is dealt to each player. After each player receives their 2 pocket or hole cards the betting round begins. After reviewing your initial cards you may fold, bet, check or raise a bet until this round is completed by everyone at the table.
Flop:
Once the 1st round of betting is complete the dealer will then turn over 3 community cards in the centre of the table face up. These cards are known as the flop in Texas poker. Players may use these 3 community cards to create their best possible poker hand. After the flop another round of betting ensues. At this point players begin to see their poker hands taking form. A player may bet, fold, check or raise.
Turn:
Once the betting is completed the dealer turns over the 4th community card face up. This card is known in Texas Holdem as the turn card or 4th street card. Another round of betting ensues this time in increments of the big blind.
River:
When this betting round is completed the dealer places the 5th and final community card on the table face up. This card is known as the 5th Street or river card. Players now have all the cards they need to create their best possible poker hand. The final round of betting occurs.
Showdown:
After the last betting round is completed the remaining players show their best 5 card poker hands which can include their initial poker cards and the 5 community card. A player may use any combination of cards to create his/her poker hand. The player holding the highest poker hand wins the pot. If all 5 community cards are the strongest hand then the pot is split amongst the remaining players.
