Texas Hold'em Poker: Complete Rules Guide
Learn the complete rules of Texas Hold'em poker including hand rankings, betting rounds, positions, and basic strategy.
The Basics of Texas Hold'em
Texas Hold'em is a community card poker game where each player receives two private cards (hole cards) and shares five community cards. The goal is to make the best five-card hand using any combination of your hole cards and the community cards. Betting occurs over four rounds.
The Four Betting Rounds
The hand begins with two forced bets (blinds). After hole cards are dealt, the first round of betting (pre-flop) occurs. Three community cards are then dealt (the flop), followed by another betting round. The fourth card (turn) and fifth card (river) each have their own betting rounds.
Hand Rankings
From highest to lowest: Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10 suited), Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, High Card. Memorizing these rankings is essential before playing.
Position and Basic Strategy
Position is crucial in Texas Hold'em—acting later gives you more information about other players' decisions. Play tighter (fewer hands) from early position and looser from late position. Starting hand selection is the most important fundamental skill for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by
Michael Thompson
15y expMichael is a veteran of the American online gambling industry with 15 years covering state-by-state regulation. He is an authority on the patchwork of US gambling laws and their evolution since PASPA's repeal. His analysis helps American players navigate the complex state licensing landscape.