How to Play Texas Hold'em Poker: Holdem Rules & Hands

Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular poker variations, which interests players of all ages and skill levels with its exciting mix of strategy and luck. Whether you are just starting out and want to learn how to play Texas Hold’em for beginners or an experienced player looking to level up your skills, this guide is for you. Texas Hold’em is easy to understand, with simple rules and fun-filled gameplay, making it a fantastic choice for new players while still providing challenges for professional players. In this article, you will find everything you need to know, from the rules and hand rankings to helpful tips and strategies. Get ready to dive into the world of Texas Hold'em Poker!

Texas Hold’em History: How the Game Became a Poker Sensation

The origin of Texas Holdem is unclear. The legislature of Texas says that the game started in Robstown, Texas, in the early 1900s. Another claim suggests that T. Blondie Forbes, a gambler, created it in the 1920s. Even players have their own story. Johnny Moss first saw it in Dallas in 1926, while Doyle Brunson knew it as “Hold Me Darling” in Texas in the 1950s. Some of the additional interesting facts about the history of the game are as follows:

• Crandell Addington and a few other players popularised the game in Las Vegas as Texas Holdem in 1963. 
• In 1967, the game gained popularity after being offered to play at the Golden Nugget casino. 
• It became even more popular after the tournament at the Dunes casino in 1969 and when Benny Binion hosted the first WSOP at his casino, Binion’s Horseshoe, in 1970. Since 1971, the game has been the primary event at the WSOP.
• In 2003, Chris Moneymaker, an average amateur, won the WSOP Main Event after qualifying through a $39 online tournament. His victory sparked a poker boom, inspiring millions of players worldwide to play Texas Hold’em and seeing a 200% increase in participation next year.

What’s the Objective of Texas Hold’em? Understanding the Basics

The objective of Texas Holdem poker is to form the best possible five-card poker hand. Players can use their two-hole cards along with five community cards dealt in different rounds to create the best hand. The player who gets the highest-ranking five-card hand or the last player to remain while all the others have folded their hands wins the pot. The fundamental objective of the players here is not just to win one or two good hands but to become profitable in the long run.

What is Texas Holdem poker?

Texas Hold'em is a popular poker game in which two to ten players compete to create their best five-card hand using two hole cards and five community cards placed face-up on the table. There is a vast possibility of situations and combinations that can be created in the Texas Holdem cash game, which makes it highly challenging if you play at higher levels. This is what makes it the most-played variant of poker featured in renowned poker tournaments, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the World Poker Tour (WPT), and the European Poker Tour (EPT).

Texas Hold’em Rules (Step-by-Step Guide)

There are particular Texas Hold'em rules that you need to remember to make this game fun and challenging:

1. The Deal: The dealer deals two face-down cards, known as hole cards, to each player and places five face-up cards, known as the community cards, at the centre of the table in three stages over multiple betting rounds.
2. The Betting Rounds: The four betting rounds are:
• Pre-Flop: The first betting round occurs before the flop, and each player receives two hole cards.
• Flop: The dealer deals with the first three community cards, and the betting continues.
• Turn: The dealer deals with the fourth community card, leading to more informed and strategic decisions.
• River: The dealer deals with the last and the fifth community card. Here, the final round of betting takes place.
3. Showdown: When two or more players reach the poker showdown after completing the last betting round, there is only one way to win the pot: by forming the highest-ranking 5-card hand.

A few more important points related to Texas Hold’em rules are as follows:

• All the players use the community cards and their hole cards to make their best possible 5-card Texas Hold’em hand to win the pot.
• Players can form any hand combination to make the highest-ranking 5-card hand. They can combine their two-hole cards with three community cards, use their one-hole card with four community cards, or use no-hole cards at all.
• Players can keep their hole cards aside and use only community cards if the community cards make the best five-card hand. 
• If all the players fold their cards and only one player is left, the remaining players win the pot without going through a showdown.
• This is why a player without holding strong hands can still win the pot by bluffing and making all their opponents fold their better hands.

How to play Texas Holdem?

If you are new to Texas Holdem, we are here to help you. You can learn how to play Texas Holdem in these easy steps.

Step 1: The buttons

The button is a round disc rotated to the left and determines the acting dealer at the table. 

The first two players sitting at the left of the button act as ‘small blind’ and a ‘big blind’ to start the action. Then the betting rounds, like a preflop, flop, turn, and the river begins.

Step 2: The blinds

Before the new game begins, two players from the table must raise the small and big blinds. The blind are the forced bets that start the wagering. 

In a poker tournament, you will notice that blinds are raised at regular intervals. In a cash game, the blinds remain the same. 

The small blind is generally half the bigger blind. As the number of players decreases, the blinds must keep increasing throughout the tournament.

Texas Hold’em Betting Rounds

Step 1: First betting round - Preflop

This round takes place right after the two-hole cards are there. The first player that acts is to the left of the big blind.

The first player has three options: call, raise, or fold. This position is known as ‘Under the Gun’.

• The call means the player will match the amount of the big blind.
• The raise means the player will increase the bet within the limits of the game.
• The fold means throwing away the card and getting out of the game.

Once the last bet is up, this round is over, and we move to the next round, ‘The Flop’.

Step 2: Second betting round - The flop

During this round, the first three community cards are dealt, and the player sitting left of the button starts the game. 

Along with the options to call, bet, fold, and raise, players also get the option to “check.” A check means passing the action to the next active player.

The betting continues until the last bet or raise is called.

Step 3: Third betting round - The turn

The fourth community card, “the turn”, is dealt face-up. Players can check, bet, call, fold or raise. 

Once done, the game continues and calls for a final betting round.

Step 4: Final betting round - The river

Following all betting action on the Turn, the fifth community card is dealt face-up. In the same manner as the previous street of play, a new round of betting begins.

Once again, the players can check, bet, call, fold, or raise.

Upon completing all betting action, the remaining players with hole cards reveal their holdings. It is called the showdown.

Step 5: The showdown

At this stage, all the remaining players reveal their cards, and a winning hand is determined. The player with the best five combinations of cards wins the pot.

Texas Holdem Poker Hands Rankings

Poker hand rankings will help you determine the strength of your hand and what action you should take. Here is the list of hand rankings in poker:

• Royal Flush: This is the highest-ranking hand, which consists of 5 cards of the same suit ranging from ace to 10. For example, A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠.
• Straight Flush: This hand includes any five cards of the same suit in numerical order. For example, J♦ 10♦ 9♦ 8♦ 7♦.
• Four of a Kind: The hand with four cards of the same rank. For example, 10♦ 10♠ 10♥ 10♦ K♣.
• Full House: The hand with three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. For example, K♥ K♦ K♠ 6♣ 6♥.
• Flush: This hand contains five cards of the same suit. For example, K♥ J♥ 9♥ 5♥ 3♥.
• Straight: The hand with five cards in numerical order, regardless of the suit. For example, 7♥ 6♦ 5♣ 4♠ 3♦.
• Three of a Kind: This hand contains three cards of the same rank. For example, A♠ A♥ A♦ 9♣ 6♠.
• Two Pair: This hand contains two different pairs. For example, Q♣ Q♠ 10♥ 10♦ 7♣.
• Pair: The hand with two cards of the same rank. For example, J♠ J♦ 8♥ 6♣ 4♥.
• High Card: This is the lowest-ranking hand used when no other hand combinations are present. The player with the highest card in the hand is declared winner. For example, K♦ 10♣ 7♥ 5♠ 2♣. 

Different Types of Texas Hold’em Poker Games

Here are the different types of Texas Holdem poker games:

No Limit Texas Holdem

It is the most popular Texas Holdem variation. It is featured in significant events and tournaments. As the name suggests, the number of bets is unlimited. You can bet and raise the total number of chips you have

Limit Holdem

As the name suggests, you bet in a fixed betting amount. Let's say you are playing ₹5/₹10 limit game; the maximum bet you can make during the first two rounds of pre-flop betting would be ₹5, which shall increase to ₹10 for the last two rounds.

Pot Limit Texas Holdem

In Pot Limit Texas, the betting limit is fixed throughout the game. You can bet any amount of chips up to the size of the pot.

Mixed Texas Holdem

This variation alternates between No Limit Holdem, Pot-limit Holdem and fixed limit Holdem. For example, you can play limit in pre-flop, pot limit on the flop, and no limit on the Turn and River.

Short Deck Holdem

In this variation, the deck is reduced to 36 cards. All the cards lower than six are removed, making the deck shorter, which results in changes in the poker hand rankings. However, the gameplay and the betting stay the same.

Double Flop Holdem

This variation includes two separate boards of community cards. Using the two boards, you must make the best five-card hand.

Texas Hold’em Strategy: Pro Tips to Win More Hands

Here are the winning strategies of Texas Holdem:

Beginners Strategies

• Starting Hands

Try to play with premium starting hands, such as pairs of Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jacks. Playing with lower-ranking cards can cost you a lot. Play with strong hands and play aggressively.

• Position

Your position at the table is crucial. You will benefit the most when you play from the late position, as you will have access to more information. Playing from an early position can be risky, as you have less information.

• Bet Sizing

Betting is another crucial key that can help you win or lose the game. Bet aggressively only when you have a strong hand; otherwise, it's better to play safe and check or fold.

• Bluffing

Learning how to bluff in Texas Hold’em is an art and a skill. Bluffing effectively in a Texas Hold’em game requires both beginners and pros to focus on the timing, credibility, and opponents’ gameplay.

Choose the right moments, like on the turn or river, when the board texture supports your action. Occasionally, changing your bet sizes creates uncertainty, so stay mindful of your table image.

New poker players should focus on semi-bluffs, betting with drawing hands and ensuring equity if called by other players. 

Professional players can concentrate on blockers, polarised ranges, and multi-street aggression to create pressure on opponents.

Advanced Strategies

• Table Selection

Look for tables with weak players who play too many hands in online games. Similarly, avoid playing on tables where your opponents match your skills or play better than you—table selection comes when you have the abovementioned strategies.

• Learn Pot Odds

Pot odds are the ratio of the pot size to the bet size. The pot odds help you determine whether the call is profitable based on the current pot or not. You can even compare the pot odds with the winning hand.

• Never Limp

Excess of limping shows that you have a weak hand. Instead, try to call or Fold if you have a weak hand. Limping lets opponents see the flop easily and cheaply, resulting in more player post-flop. You lose control of the pot and might lose the game, too.

Texas Hold’em Tips and Tricks

Here are some winning poker tips and tricks that will help you master the Texas Hold’em strategy:

• Be Patient & Play Selective Hands

Avoid playing each and every hand. Instead, focus on playing with premium hands, like pocket pairs (AA, KK, QQ, JJ) or strong hand combinations (AK, KQ). Good poker players stay patient and wait for strong hands and the right moment to act. Being patient and selective with your hand increases your chances of winning, as you are more likely to play when you have an advantage over your opponents. This strategy helps you avoid losses and makes your play more effective.

• Observe and adapt to Opponents 

Observing and adapting to your opponent's playing styles is crucial. Paying close attention to their betting tendencies, bluffing tactics, and reaction to different situations at the table. Observing their behaviour helps you learn their playing tendencies and adjust your strategy accordingly. For example, if you notice your opponent bluffing with a weak hand, you might call their bets more often. If you find your opponents playing tight and only betting on strong hands, consider playing cautiously. The key is to remain flexible and adapt your strategies based on your position and the table dynamics, which can help you make informed decisions. 

• Manage Your Bankroll Effectively

Managing your bankroll is one of the most important tips to learn. Always set aside a particular amount of money to play poker; the most important thing is sticking to it. Choosing the right stakes that suit your bankroll is significant, as it prevents you from losing more than you can afford. For example, if you have a $300 bankroll, playing at higher stakes can quickly drain your funds. Moreover, you must keep track of your wins and losses to evaluate your playing patterns and constantly improve.

• Avoid chasing losses

Never try to win back the money you have already lost in your previous hands, as it only leads to draining out more money. Chasing losses leads to impulsive and risky decisions and playing more aggressively than usual. Instead of paying attention to your current hand, you might become desperate to recover your losses, which can influence your decisions and actions. Instead, your approach should be to play each hand based on its strength, your position at the table, and the table dynamics. Remember that losing is part of the game, so making informed decisions increases your winning chances in the long run.

• Fold when unsure about your hand

There is no point sticking to your hand when uncertain whether you will win or lose all your money. It is wise to fold if unsure about your hand’s strength. It is a smart move, especially if you believe your hand is weaker than what your opponents might hold. By folding, you avoid risking more money on a hand that might not win, allowing you to preserve your chips for better opportunities later in the game. Remember, it’s always better to lose a small amount by folding your hand rather than to get caught in a bad situation and lose a lot more.

Best Texas Hold’em Starting Hands

To win poker, you should know the good and the bad starting hands. Here are some of the best poker starting hands:

What is a Kicker in Texas Hold’em?

A kicker is an extra card that can help in deciding the winner. When there is a tie, the player with the highest kicker wins.

Example:

Imagine you are in a game with an opponent, and the community cards turn out like this:

Community Cards: K♠ 10♦ 6♣ 4♠ 2♥

Your Hand: A♣ K♦

Opponent’s Hand: K♥ J♠

Who Wins and Why?

In this example, both of you hold a pair of Kings using the community cards.

However, your second hole card (A♣) is higher than your opponent’s (J♠) second hole card.

You win this hand since the Ace card acts as a kicker card and is stronger than your opponent's Jack.

Why do Kickers matter?

Kickers help decide the winner when players have the same pair. A common mistake is overvaluing hands like K-J when an opponent could have a stronger kicker.

This is why hands like Ace-King (AK) are more valuable than King-Queen (KQ) or King-Jack (KJ)—the kicker can be the difference between winning and losing.

How is Omaha different from Texas Holdem?

Texas Hold’em Poker differs from Omaha based on factors like the number of Hole cards in the game, hand rankings, bluffing tactics required and the betting structure. The table given below details the differences between both the variants.

Texas Hold’em Betting Structures

Here are the different types of pot limits:

• Limit: You cannot increase or decrease the betting amount as it is fixed.
• No Limit: You can bet any amount throughout the game.
• Pot Limit: The maximum betting amount is limited to the pot size.
• Mixed Texas Holdem: A game alternating between Limit, No limit, and pot limit.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the Difference Between Texas Hold’em and Other Poker Variants?

Texas Hold'em differs from other poker variants like Omaha and Seven-Card Stud in betting structure, hole cards, and strategy. Hold'em uses two-hole cards, Omaha has four, and Stud lacks community cards. Bluffing is more effective in Hold'em than in Omaha.

What are the best starting hands in Texas Hold’em?

The best-starting hands in Texas Hold’em are pocket pairs, including pocket aces, pocket kings, pocket queens, and pocket jacks.

What are the rules of Texas Holdem?

In Texas Holdem, each player is dealt two hole cards, followed by five community cards dealt face-up in three stages.

Players aim to make the best five-card poker hand using any combination of their hole and community cards.

Where Can I Play Texas Hold’em Online for Free or Real Money?

You can play Texas Holdem for free as well as for real money on online poker platforms like Adda52. Platforms like Adda52 offer a seamless online poker gaming experience. You can even invite your friends to the app and earn a referral bonus for every friend who plays poker games.

Conclusion

Texas Holdem is a variant of poker that requires a blend of skills and strategy to get better at it. To improve your gameplay, you must regularly practice the poker betting strategies and winning tips and tricks discussed above.

Want to take your Texas Hold’em skills to the next level?

Download Adda52 today, challenge your friends, and sharpen your strategies by playing and practising more. The more you play, the better you get at making winning moves!