Texas Holdem Rules

Before cards are dealt and play begins, money must be put into the pot to guarantee earnings for the winner.  This is done by means of the blind bets.  The first two players to the immediate left of the dealer make the small blind bet (half the amount of the table minimum) and big blind bet (the entire table minimum amount), after which all players are dealt two cards each, facedown.

Next, the first round of betting ensues beginning with the first player to the dealer's left.  Players can either raise, call or fold (Folding can be done during any betting round). Raises can only be made in the amount of the minimum table stake.  There is also a maximum of three raises per round.

Following the first round of betting is the Flop, which is executed by the dealer.  It consists of placing three upturned cards in the middle of the table (also called community cards).  These are the cards which players can use to form the best poker hand possible.  The cards remain on the table for the remainder of the game.

The second betting round follows the Flop, which operates in the same way as the first except that players are now allowed to check, which means they can pass on raising or calling if no player ahead of them has placed a bet.

The Turn follows this betting round, and consists of upturning a fourth community card, for all players to use.

The third betting round is next, which is just like the prior rounds, except that the raise amount is now upped to the maximum table limit.

Next is the River, which is the addition of a fifth and final community card to the table.

The fourth and last betting round ensues, which is done in the same manner as the third betting round.  After all players have finished, calling, checking, raising or folding in due turn, all remaining hands are revealed to declare a winner.
 

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