How to Play Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is the world’s most popular poker variant. Each player gets two private hole cards and shares five community cards.

Goal

Make the best five-card hand using any combination of your two hole cards and the five community cards — or make everyone else fold.

Blinds

Before cards are dealt, two players post the small blind and big blind. Action starts with the player left of the big blind preflop, and with the small blind on later streets.

Betting rounds

• Preflop — after hole cards are dealt
• Flop — after the first three community cards
• Turn — after the fourth community card
• River — after the fifth community card, then showdown if needed

Actions

• Check — pass the action when no bet is facing you
• Bet / Raise — put chips in to make others call or fold
• Call — match the current bet
• Fold — give up the hand

Cash games vs tournaments

Cash games use blinds at a fixed stake; you can leave between hands. Tournaments use rising blinds and a buy-in for a seat; play until one player remains (or the prize places are paid).

Learn more

Memorise hand rankings next, then skim the glossary. When you practise, start at micro-stakes or play-money tables and manage your bankroll carefully.