The single most popular form of poker being played today, bar none, is texas holdem poker both online and off, so if you want in on the poker scene then it's important to know how to play holdem. Fortunately, part of the reason that this poker variation is so popular is because it is quite easy to learn to play. Don't let that fool you, though, it will still take a lot of skill and experience to get really good at this fun game.



Basic sequence of play









Texas hold 'em is played in four different rounds, defined by the cards that are turned up. It's a community card game, and that means that the cards are in the middle are used by all the players to make the best hand possible. The player with the top hand after all the rounds are completed takes the pot.



In the first round, each player is dealt two hole cards by the dealer. These cards are only known to the player, and a round of betting ensues. A player who has not been dealt good hole cards may choose to fold at this point, while other players may bet or check. A check occurs when a player does not wish to raise and has already put in the amount of money or chips needed to meet the last bet. Those who know how to play holdem with skill will usually tell a novice that it is not a good move to bet pre-flop.



Once all the players have decided to fold, check, or bet, the dealer puts three community cards face up in the middle of the table. This is known as the flop, and it's often right here where a player decided to take his or her chances or fold. After the flop comes several more rounds of betting, and then the dealer places a single card face up, known as the turn. Again there is betting, and the final card turned over is known as the river. If there is still more than one player left, it's time to call for a showdown. Players may try to bluff opponents into folding or they may just call.



Limit hold 'em vs No limit holdem



There are two big variations on texas holdem poker, limit and no limit holdem. In limit hold 'em, there are set amounts that a player can raise at any one time, as well as rules governing how many betting rounds can take place during each round of play.



In no limit holdem, there are no rules placed on bets or amount of bets. Betting increases by any amount until all players have either called or folded. This is the variation of the game in which all-ins are frequent, and where skill comes to the forefront. It's also very important to be patient in this type of holdem game; a lot of newbies especially LOVE to go all-in all the time, and if you're playing online with fun money this can be a real pain in the ass. I'd recommend no limit holdem only for tables where once the table has been set, no one else is allowed in.



So that's a basic overview on how to play texas holdem poker. Of course there are dozens of variations depending on whether you are playing in real life or online, your hole cards, and the types of player you are up against.

By: George Schmingy

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George Schmingy is an avid poker enthusiast and has been writing articles on the topic for more than 10 years.