Tue, 09/06/2011 – 07:11 – PokerPages Staff

As we’re all aware, there is a rather large amount of betting that goes on in a poker game. Working out how the betting works can be difficult for the beginner poker player. This article aims to help you through the minefield of the betting rounds of a game of Texas Hold ‘em and understand the way the game works.

Ante or Blind
Depending on the game you are playing, you may need to bet a blind or an ante. This is a bet placed before you’ve seen your hole cards and ensures that there is money in the pot to be won.

First Betting Round
The first actual betting round comes after the hole cards have been dealt. The player to the left of the dealer has the option to bet, check or fold. Further players can call (match) the bet, fold or raise, by adding more chips to the bet. A round of betting continues until all remaining players have bet the same amount of chips or only one player remains.

Community Cards
The second, third and fourth rounds all follow the dealing of the community cards, with the same betting rules applying throughout. The second round comes after the first three cards or flop has been dealt. The third round is after the turn and the fourth and final round comes after the river.

The Showdown
The showdown comes at the end of the final betting round. If there is more than one player remaining, all players must show their hands, and the player with the highest ranked poker hand wins the pot.