Texas Holdem: Learning The Most Popular Variant

Every form of gaming has its champion format and in poker - that game is known as Texas Holdem. As you may be aware already, poker is a uniquely popular game because of the many options it provides its participants. There is no fixed way of going about the action at the table; instead, you can create your own experience through the many choices you have to make. 

For instance, you will have to decide whether you wish to play cash games or tournaments, you must also decide the stakes you want to compete in and the schedule you would prefer to follow.  However, one major decision you must make before any of this is regarding the poker game variant you would like to play. Well, that's where Texas Holdem triumphs as the first choice for most beginners. This five-card variant gives you all the exposure you will ever need at the table. 

Learning poker Texas rules will allow you to gain enough knowledge and experience to experiment with other poker card game types. Some of the most lucrative games around the world are played using Texas Holdem rules. So, regardless of the level at which you wish to pursue poker, this is a game you should not leave unlearned. With that in mind, let us see how Holdem works. 

Poker Hand Rankings 

Poker hand rules are some of the first things you will learn as a beginner without which it would be impossible to win at the table. Poker hands refer to five-card combinations that you are expected to put together along the game course. Starting with the Royal Flush and ending with the High Card - there are ten combinations in total. The rarer your hand, the better your chances of winning. You could still win with marginal hands if your strategy is on-point. 

Poker Rounds 

In Texas Holdem, we have four rounds altogether. The game begins with the pre-flop where everyone is given their two-hole cards, and this is also where the initial blinds are placed. After this comes to the flop, revealing three community cards. Then we have the turn and river rounds - each bringing a new community card to the table. Lastly, those remaining in the game after the river move to the showdown where the best hand wins. 

Poker Actions 

Table positions shift in a clockwise direction in Texas Holdem. The later you are positioned, the more information you have and the more advantageous your position. When the action does get to you, you can either call and match the betting amount, raise, and increase its value, check, and skip your turn or fold and withdraw from the game. Consider your poker hands and the overall strategy you are employing to judge your actions properly. 

Inference 

We hope it helped you understand poker card rules via Texas Holdem's example since most games follow this structure. The more time you spend at the table, the more confidence you will gain and the better your chances.