The game of Texas Holdem is one of the most popular poker games both online and off. Poker enthusiasts love Texas Holdem poker because of its simple rules and fast pace. If you are already familiar with the rules of this popular poker game then it will be easy for you to get started playing Holdem online. If you don’t already know how to play poker the rules of Texas Holdem are easy to learn.



Whether you are playing Texas Holdem online or off the poker rules of this game are the same. Holdem is played in 5 rounds. Before the game begins payers players place blind bets, to begin building the ante or prize pool.









In the first round of Texas Holdem, known as the Pre-Flop round, each player receives 2 pocket cards, or private cards. Based on these cards players decide to fold (forfeit and leave the game), call (stay in the game with a minimum bet) or raise (stay in the game by placing a bet that is higher than, and therefore raises, the minimum bet).



In the second round, called the Flop, three community cards are placed face-up on the table. These cards are shared by all of the players and based on these cards players decide once again to fold, call or raise.



The third round of Texas Holdem poker is called the Turn. In this round a fourth community card is dealt and players decide once again to fold, call or raise.



A fifth community card is dealt in the River round. This is the final card and the final opportunity for players to fold, call or raise.



At the end of the game is the Showdown. The player that has the best 5-card hand made up of private and community cards wins the game. The rules are that simple!



When you play an online poker game of Texas Holdem you can play for free or for real money. Playing free online poker is a great way to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game and to practice and improve your poker skills and strategy.



If you decide to play poker for real money you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of betting limits and poker tournaments when you play Texas Holdem online. There are low-limit, middle-limit and even high stakes poker games to choose from and a huge selection of online tournaments including guaranteed tournaments, multi-table tournaments, satellite tournaments and more.



If you want to start playing Texas Holdem online all you have to do is download free software from the online poker room of your choice. Most Internet poker sites offer free software downloads that can be used to play poker for free or for real money. Additionally, many online poker rooms offer fantastic bonuses for new players to help you build your poker bankroll so that you can win big when you play the exciting game of Texas Holdem poker online.

By: Gene Marshall

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Online poker specialist Gene Marshall works for many distinguished poker magazines. The author concentrates on editorials about poker games and poker. Further information and articles written by Gene Marshall related to online poker can be found on line.