Texas Hold’em Poker Rules: Learn How to Play the World’s Most Popular Poker Game

Introduction

Texas Hold’em is by far the most popular poker variant in the world. It’s easy to learn but tough to master — which is exactly why both casual players and pros love it. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the bluff or grinding your way to consistent profits, mastering the rules is your first step toward success.

Below is a complete beginner-friendly breakdown of how Texas Hold’em works, including betting rounds, gameplay structure, and winning strategy basics.

🎯 Objective of the Game

The goal is simple: make the best five-card poker hand using seven available cards — two private “hole cards” and five shared “community cards” on the table.

🔁 Game Setup & Start

The Blinds

Each hand begins with two forced bets:

Small blind – posted by the player to the left of the dealer
Big blind – posted by the next player left of the small blind

These blinds create the pot and get the action started.

The Dealer Button

A circular “D” marker rotates clockwise around the table, designating the dealer position. This spot determines the order of action for the hand.

🃏 Gameplay & Betting Rounds

1. Hole Cards (Pre-Flop)

Each player is dealt two private cards face down. The first betting round begins with the player left of the big blind. Players can fold, call, or raise.

2. The Flop

Three community cards are dealt face-up. Players now have more information to assess their hand strength. A second round of betting begins.

3. The Turn

A fourth community card is revealed. With four cards on the table, a new round of betting begins — usually at increased stakes.

4. The River

The fifth and final community card is dealt. A final betting round follows.

5. The Showdown

All remaining players reveal their cards. The best five-card hand wins the pot. If everyone folds except one player during betting, that player wins without needing to show their cards.

🧠 Key Concepts to Remember

You can use any combination of your two hole cards and the five community cards.
You don’t have to use both hole cards — you can use one or even none.
The hand rankings follow traditional poker order — from Royal Flush (best) to High Card (worst).