Wed, 03/30/2011 – 01:13 – PokerPages Staff

Here is an overview of the rules of Texas Hold’em for the novice poker player.  Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular games of poker around.  Almost all of the big tournaments are Texas Hold’em or some variation of the game.  For the new poker player, understanding the basic rules of playing Hold’em makes watching and learning to play more enjoyable.

Hold’em is played with a 52-card deck.  It can be played with two to ten players.  It is necessary to determine who the dealer is.  Even if playing online or at a card table.  The dealer identifies who places the small and large blinds.  Small blind is bet first by the person to the left of the dealer.  The person to the left of small blind places the large blind, which usually double the small blind.

Now play can begin.  The dealer deals two cards face down to each player.  These are hole cards and can only be used by the person that they are dealt to.  This leads to the first round of betting before any community cards are turned up.  The person to bet first is the person to the left of the large blind.  Then, everyone has a chance to bet.  The first three community cards are turned up.

This leads to the second round of betting.  Once completed the fourth community card is turned up.  This leads to the third round of betting, starting with the first player to the left of the dealer that is still in the game.  When all bets are in and the final community card is turned up, the final round of betting takes place.

Now players have to make the best five cards hand possible with their hole cards and the community cards.  Players that are still in the game, show their hole cards to determine the winning hand.  If two players have the same winning hand, the pot is split.  Otherwise, the best hand takes the pot.  Note that if all others have folded the last player takes the pot and does not have to show the hole cards.

Beginner poker players can learn more about Texas Hold’em and other poker games by visiting PokerSchoolOnline, the best source on the internet for poker related learning.  Afterwards, why not test those skills by playing free at PokerStars.net.  Also, check out the PokerPages sections Poker Information and Poker Articles for more poker betting, tips, bets, and strategies.

Fri, 03/25/2011 – 02:42 – PokerPages Staff

Betting is the term that applies to the wagers made by a player.  For a novice poker player, betting can be confusing, but if one is to be successful at poker, learning the intricacies of betting is essential.

Betting techniques and styles are as numerous as the different poker games available.  However, there are some simple basic rules that the novice poker player should be aware of, no matter what type of game is being played. 

Do not bet a bad hand just to stay in the game.  Chances are that you will not be able to make a winning hand out of junk cards.  Betting on every hand dealt is just throwing away your bankroll. It is more prudent to wait for worthwhile cards and then start betting. 

Depending on the game being played, betting can include an ante, an opening bet before any cards are dealt, a blind, also a bet placed before cards are dealt, or opening betting with the deal of the cards.  The real key to successful betting for any player is to know when to fold.  Playing a bluff is dangerous and should be used sparingly by novice poker players.

In addition to folding, which is throwing in your hand and releasing all claim to the pot, there are two other terms that relate to general betting in a poker game.  When you call a bet, it means you want to match the size of the current bet.  A raise is to increase the size of the current bet.

To learn more, check out PokerSchoolOnline, the best source on the internet for poker related learning.  Afterwards, why not test those skills by playing free at PokerStars.net.  Also, check out the PokerPages section on Poker Information and Poker Articles for more poker betting, tips, bets, and strategies.