Texas Hold'Em: An Intro

Texas Hold'em is obviously the most popular poker game played in America, and around the world, whether the atmosphere is a physical casino or one that is online. Of course, that may be because the no-limit version of the game is played as the main event at the annual World Series of Poker, where the first prize has crept into the millions, and also because it is the game played on almost all televised poker programs.

In this poker variation, two cards are dealt to each player at the outset, after which time a round of betting takes place. The rest of the cards that come out are "community cards," in that they can be used by any of the players at the table. There is first a three-card group laid out in the middle of the table. This is called the "flop,' and it is followed by another round of betting. The next card, also dealt face-up, is called the "turn," and once again - you guessed it - there is a betting round following its revelation as well.

Then finally, there is the "river" card, also referred to as Fifth Street. After this card is dealt, there is more betting, then the determination of a winner.

The idea is that the player takes his or her two "hole" cards and adds whatever three community cards serve him or her best in order to form the best possible five-card hand. Whoever has the best five-card hand is generally the winner, unless, of course, one player is successful in bluffing out the others. If there is a tie, the pot is divided.

The great thing about Texas Hold'em is that the players make initial bets based on just two cards they have been dealt, then the dynamic can change dramatically with each community card that is exposed. It is considered the poker game that requires the most guts, and certainly the most "people reading skills."