Texas Hold’em Poker: How to Play, Rules, Strategies

Texas Holdem is one of the most popular poker variants. The game is known for its simplicity and ease of playing. Whether it's a poker night with friends or a tournament with massive GTD, learning Texas Holdem is essential.

This article will help beginners learn the basics and experienced players sharpen their skills. It will explain everything you need to get started: the game's simple rules, gameplay, hand rankings, and some tricks to win the game.

Ready to up your poker game? Let's dive in and win more hands!

Texas Hold’em History: How the Game Became a Poker Sensation

The origin of Texas Holdem is unclear. Some say the game started in Robstown, Texas, in the early 1900s. Another claim suggests that T. Blondie Forbes, a gambler, created it in the 1920s. Even players have their own story. Johnny Moss first saw it in Dallas in 1926, while Doyle Brunson knew it as “Hold Me Darling” in Texas in the 1950s.

The game was popularised in Las Vegas as Texas Holdem during the 1960s, starting at the Golden Nugget casino. It became even more popular after the tournament at the Dunes casino in 1969 and was included in the WSOP in 1970. Since 1971, the game has been the primary event at the WSOP.

What’s the Objective of Texas Hold’em? Understanding the Basics

The goal of Texas Holdem is to make the best five-card hand. You use the two dealt hole cards and five community cards to make the best hand and win.

What is Texas Holdem poker?

Texas Holdem is the most popular poker variant, played between two to ten players. You win by making the best five-card hand using the two-hole and five community cards. This poker variant is featured in several tournaments, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

Texas Hold’em Rules (Step-by-Step Guide)

There are certain Texas Hold'em rules that you need to remember to make this game fun and challenging:

• The Deal: Each player receives two face-down cards, known as hole cards, from the dealer. The dealer deals five face-up cards at the centre of the table in three stages over multiple betting rounds, known as the community cards.

• The Betting Rounds:

1. Pre-Flop: You get two hole cards and decide whether to bet, call, raise, or fold.
2. Flop: The first three community cards are dealt, and betting continues.
3. Turn: The fourth community card is revealed, which leads to more strategic decisions.
4. River: The last community card is dealt, followed by the last betting round.

• The Gameplay: All the players use these community cards and their hole cards to make their best possible 5-card Texas Hold’em hand to win the pot.

• Players can form any combination to make their highest-ranking 5-card hand. They can combine their 2-hole cards with three community cards and use their 1-hole cards with four or no-hole cards.

• Players can keep their hole cards aside and use only community cards if the community cards make the best five-card hand. 

• If all the players fold their cards and only one player is left, the remaining player wins the pot without going through a showdown.

• This is why a player without holding strong hands can still win the pot by bluffing and making all their opponents fold their better hands.

• When two or more players reach the showdown after completing the last betting round, there is only one way to win the pot: by forming the highest-ranking 5-card hand.

How to play Texas Holdem?

If you are new to Texas Holdem, we are here to help you. You can learn how to play Texas Holdem in these easy steps.

Step 1: The buttons

The button is a round disc rotated to the left and determines the acting dealer at the table.

The first two players sitting at the left of the button act as ‘small blind’ and a ‘big blind’ to start the action. Then the betting rounds, like a preflop, flop, turn, and the river begins.

Step 2: The blinds

Before the new game begins, two players from the table must raise the small and big blinds. The blind are the forced bets that start the wagering. 

In a poker tournament, you will notice that blinds are raised at regular intervals. In a cash game, the blinds remain the same. 

The small blind is generally half the bigger blind. As the number of players decreases, the blinds must keep increasing throughout the tournament.

Texas Hold’em Betting Rounds

Step 1: First betting round - Preflop

This round takes place right after the two-hole cards are there. The first player that acts is to the left of the big blind.

The first player has three options: call, raise, or fold. This position is known as ‘Under the Gun’.

• The call means the player will match the amount of the big blind.
• The raise means the player will increase the bet within the limits of the game.
• The fold means throwing away the card and getting out of the game.

Once the last bet is up, this round is over, and we move to the next round, ‘The Flop’.

Step 2: Second betting round - The flop

During this round, the first three community cards are dealt, and the player sitting left of the button starts the game. 

Along with the options to call, bet, fold, and raise, players also get the option to “check.” A check means passing the action to the next active player.

The betting continues until the last bet or raise is called.

Step 3: Third betting round - The turn

The fourth community card, “the turn”, is dealt face-up. Players can check, bet, call, fold or raise. Once done, the game continues and calls for a final betting round.

Step 4: Final betting round - The river

Following all betting action on the Turn, the fifth community card is dealt face-up. In the same manner as the previous street of play, a new round of betting begins.

Once again, the players can check, bet, call, fold, or raise.

Upon completing all betting action, the remaining players with hole cards reveal their holdings. It is called the showdown.

Step 5: - The showdown

At this stage, all the remaining players reveal their cards, and a winning hand is determined. The player with the best five combinations of cards wins the pot.

Texas Holdem Poker Hands Rankings

Poker hand rankings will help you determine the strength of your hand and what action you should take. Here is the list of hand rankings in poker:

• Royal Flush: This is the highest-ranking hand, which consists of 5 cards of the same suit ranging from ace to 10. For example, A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠.
• Straight Flush: This hand includes any five cards of the same suit in numerical order. For example, J♦ 10♦ 9♦ 8♦ 7♦.
• Four of a Kind: The hand with four cards of the same rank. For example, 10♦ 10♠ 10♥ 10♦ K♣.
• Full House: The hand with three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. For example, K♥ K♦ K♠ 6♣ 6♥.
• Flush: This hand contains five cards of the same suit. For example, K♥ J♥ 9♥ 5♥ 3♥.
• Straight: The hand with five cards in numerical order, regardless of the suit. For example, 7♥ 6♦ 5♣ 4♠ 3♦.
• Three of a Kind: This hand contains three cards of the same rank. For example, A♠ A♥ A♦ 9♣ 6♠.
• Two Pair: This hand contains two different pairs. For example, Q♣ Q♠ 10♥ 10♦ 7♣.
• Pair: The hand with two cards of the same rank. For example, J♠ J♦ 8♥ 6♣ 4♥.
• High Card: This is the lowest-ranking hand used when no other hand combinations are present. The player with the highest card in the hand is declared winner. For example, K♦ 10♣ 7♥ 5♠ 2♣. 

Different Types of Texas Hold’em Poker Games

Here are the different types of Texas Holdem poker games:

No Limit Texas Holdem

This is the most popular Texas Holdem variation. It is often featured in big events and tournaments. As the name suggests, the number of bets is unlimited. You can bet and raise the total number of chips you have

Limit Holdem

As the name suggests, you bet in a fixed betting amount. Let's say you are playing ₹5/₹10 limit game; the maximum bet you can make during the first two rounds of pre-flop betting would be ₹5, which shall increase to ₹10 for the last two rounds.

Pot Limit Texas Holdem

In Pot Limit Texas, the betting limit is fixed throughout the game. You can bet any amount of chips up to the size of the pot.

Mixed Texas Holdem

This variation alternates between No Limit Holdem, Pot-limit Holdem and fixed limit Holdem. For example, you can play limit in pre-flop, pot limit on the flop, and no limit on the Turn and River.

Short Deck Holdem

In this variation, the deck is reduced to 36 cards. All the cards lower than six are removed, making the deck shorter, which results in changes in the poker hand rankings. However, the gameplay and the betting stay the same.

Double Flop Holdem

This variation includes two separate boards of community cards. Using the two boards, you must make the best five-card hand.

Texas Hold’em Strategy: Pro Tips to Win More Hands

Here are the winning strategies of Texas Holdem:

Starting Hands

Try to play with premium starting hands, such as pairs of Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jacks. Playing with lower-ranking cards can cost you a lot. Play with strong hands and play aggressively.

Position

Your position at the table is crucial. You will benefit the most when you play from the last position, as you will have access to more information. Playing from an early position can be risky, as you have less information.

Bet Sizing

Betting is another crucial key that can help you win or lose the game. Bet aggressively only when you have a strong hand; otherwise, play safe and Check or Fold.

Learn Pot Odds

Pot odds are the ratio of the pot size to the bet size. The pot odds help you determine whether the call is profitable based on the current pot or not. You can even compare the pot odds with the winning hand.

Never Limp

Excess of limping shows that you have a weak hand. Instead, try to call or Fold if you have a weak hand. Limping lets opponents see the flop easily and cheaply, resulting in more player post-flop. You lose control of the pot and might lose the game, too.

Table Selection

Look for tables with weak players who play too many hands in online games. Similarly, avoid playing on tables where your opponents match your skills or play better than you—table selection comes when you have the abovementioned strategies.

Beginner vs. Advanced Strategies

• Beginner Strategies: Focus on playing premium hands, understanding the position, and practising proper bet sizing. Avoid bluffing and prioritise strong hands to reduce mistakes.
• Advanced Strategies: Being an experienced player, you should read opponents, track their moves, and adapt strategies based on the player type. You can also try strategic bluffing.

Texas Hold’em Tips and Tricks

Master Texas Holdem strategy with expert poker tips on bankroll management, hands selection, and betting techniques:

Be Patient & Play Selective Hands

Be patient and wait for the good hands. Aggressive playing can cost you a lot, and you may lose all your money.

Observe & Adapt to Opponents

Ideal players always observe and analyse their opponents, gameplay, and strategies. Based on the analysis, you can make your strategies and win.

Manage Your Bankroll Effectively

Set the highest value on your bankroll and stick to it. This will help you lose less. Avoid chasing losses; fold when you think you are losing more than expected. This will save your bankroll.

Know When to Fold

Fold when you are unsure about your hand. There’s no point sticking to hand when unsure whether you will win or lose all your money.

Best Texas Hold’em Starting Hands

To win poker, you should know the good and the bad starting hands. Here are some of the best poker starting hands:

What is a Kicker in Texas Hold’em?

A kicker is an extra card that can help in deciding the winner. When there is a tie, the player with the highest kicker wins.

How is Omaha different from Texas Holdem?

Here are the key differences between both versions of the poker game:

Texas Hold’em Betting Structures

Here are the different types of pot limits:

• Limit: You cannot increase or decrease the betting amount as it is fixed.
• No Limit: You can bet any amount throughout the game.
• Pot Limit: The maximum betting amount is limited to the pot size.
• Mixed Texas Holdem: A game alternating between Limit, No limit, and pot limit.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the Difference Between Texas Hold'em and Other Poker Variants?

The primary difference is the number of hole cards. In Texas Holdem, you get two-hole cards, whereas in variants like Omaha, you get four-hole cards.

What are the best-starting hands in Texas Hold’em?

Pocket Aces are the best-starting hand in Texas Holdem.

What are the rules of Texas Holdem?

In Texas Holdem, each player is dealt two hole cards, followed by five community cards dealt face-up in three stages.

Players aim to make the best five-card poker hand using any combination of their hole and community cards.

Where Can I Play Texas Hold’em Online for Free or Real Money?

You can play Texas Holdem on Adda52. The platform gives you a seamless gaming experience. You can even create your own private table and invite your friends.

Conclusion

Texas Holdem Poker is a blend of skill and strategy, making it the players’s first choice. You need consistent practice, bankroll management, and strategic gameplay to master the game.

Want to take your Texas Hold’em skills to the next level?

Join Adda52 today, call your friends, challenge them, and sharpen your strategies. The more you play, the better you get at making winning moves!