Texas Hold 'Em -

Texas Hold 'Em Strategy Best Places to Play Online Poker Home

Many people will have seen Texas Hold 'Em being played on television on the World Poker Tour.

In Texas Hold 'Em poker each player received just 2 cards that only they see. There are also 5 community cards that all players see. The player with the best combination of any 5 cards wins. It is possible that the 5 community cards will be better than any of the players cards. In this case the pot would be shared.

Each player takes it in turn to deal. If the players aren't physically dealing themselves, players take it in turn to hold a button which represents the dealer. The dealer has the advantage as they are the last to take their turn in bettting rounds.

There are certain times at which there are rounds of betting in Texas Hold 'Em. Rounds of betting go clockwise round the table, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. He/she can check (do nothing), bet or fold. If they bet, subsequent players have the option to call the bet (put and equal amount in the pot), raise the bet, or fold. The betting round is complete once everyone who has not folded has contributed the same amount to the pot.

Before any cards are dealt, the 2 players immediately to the left of the dealer must post blind bets (known as "blinds"). Usually the player in the first position places what is known as a "small blind" which is often, although not always, half the amount of the other blind bet.

Once the blinds have been placed, two cards are dealt to each of the players. Only the player sees their own cards. The first round of betting then follows.

Next, the first three community cards are played. This is called the "flop". After the flop there is another round of betting.

The fourth community card is then played. This is often called the "turn" or "fourth street". Again, there is another round of betting.

The final community card is then played. This is known as "the river" or "fifth street".

After the fifth community card has been played, there is the final round of betting.

The winner is the player with the best combination of any five cards between their own private cards and the community cards.

Texas Hold 'Em Strategy Tips -

The more people are playing in the game, the more cautious you should be as there is more chance that someone has a strong hand.

You will want to play a tighter game if you notice that there is a more aggressive player in the game.

Your tolerance for risk will determine how you play before the flop. If you prefer to go for bigger pots but don't mind losing a few hands, you will want to play more aggresively pre-flop.

If all players just check after the flop, you can bet on the turn card no matter what cards you hold. This may force many of you opponents to fold.

It may be possible to bluff if there is an ace in the flop. Many opponents without a pair or an open ended straight will fold.

Keep an eye on your opponents chip count. If they have a low number of chips and suddenly raise you, it may be that they are bluffing because they know they will go all in in that hand anyway.

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