The Texas Holdem Rules are very easy to understand, especially if you are already familiar with the rules of 7-card stud. Of course, there are some differences, and I will cover them by giving you the basic Texas Holdem Rules.

The Shuffle, Deal and Blinds

?Holdem rules require that the game be played with a standard 52 card deck as per most poker games.

?Casinos use a dedicated dealer who does not participate as a player. In non-casino games, the dealer rotates clockwise after each hand is dealt.

?In Texas Holdem the two players seated to the left of the dealer are each required to put in an ante, called a blind. The first person to the left of the dealer, called the small blind, puts in half of the table minimum bet. The person to the left of that player is called the big blind, and puts in the full amount of the table minimum bet.

?When there is a dedicated dealer, a disk called the dealer button is circulated to the left after each hand signifying who would be the dealer if there wasn't a dedicated one. This is to identify who are the next small and big blind players.

?After the blinds are placed, each player receives two cards face down. These are called the hole cards.

First Round of Betting

?After the hole cards have been dealt, the player to the left of the big blind is the first to bet. Betting continues clockwise from there. Each player can bet, raise or fold throughout the game.

The Flop

?After the first round of betting, the dealer discards the top card on the deck and then flips the next three cards face-up in the center of the table. These are community cards that all players use in conjunction with their hole cards to make their best hand. This round is called the Flop.

?After the flop, another round of betting ensues.

The Turn

?Next, the dealer flips another community card face up in the center of the table. This is called the Turn or Fourth Street. There are no specific holdem rules that require either name to be used.

?After the turn, another round of betting ensues.

The River

?Next, the dealer discards the top card from the deck and places the 5th and final card face up on the table. This is known as the River; or Fifth Street.

?After the river, the last round of betting takes place where players make their final case that they have the best hand.

Showdown

?All remaining players use their hole cards and the five community cards to make their best 5-card hand.

?After betting, the player who made the opening bet, or the player who last raised, shows their hand. All other players then show their hands and the best hand wins. This is called the Showdown or the Reveal. Again, there is no specific requirement to use either name in the holdem rules.

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