Texas Holdem has been around for over a hundred years, but it is only in the last few years that its popularity has virtually taken over the poker world. What make Holdem different than other poker variations is that it is a community card game where all the poker players can share the same five cards in the center of the table.

To play in a game of Texas Holdem, take your place around the poker table. While most versions of poker build the pot with antes, Holdem uses a series of small and big blinds. These are forced bets that rotate around the table. To note the movement of the dealer during play, a “dealer button” rotates clockwise around the table. The player to the left of the dealer of each hand must post the small blind, which is half of the minimum bet established before the game. The player to the left of the small blind posts the big blind, which is equal to the minimum bet. As the game progresses, it is typical to have the blinds increase at specified points in the tournament.

The dealer will deal out two personal cards face down to each player. These are called the “hole” cards. Next is the round of blinds and betting. All players will have a chance to fold if their cards are no good, or put their chips into play. The dealer then takes three rounds, also called “streets”, to reveal five cards in the center of the table.

The “flop” is the first reveal. The dealer turns three cards over in the center of the table for the flop. Players can fold or bet again between every street. The fourth card is called the “turn” and the fifth and final card revealed is called the “river”. Any players still left in the game will proceed to a “showdown”. The showdown is where you show your “hole” cards to the dealer and make the best five-card hand from the seven on the table.

The winner of the hand takes all the winnings from the pot. Any players left with enough money to play continue onto another round by moving the dealer button and rotating the blinds around the table.

You may see the great advantages to a game like Texas Holdem since there are five cards that all players can play from. There are a lot of possibilities that can happen with seven cards to choose from. Players are never sure until the river. Bluffing and posturing are two traits that are vital to learn in order to play Holdem well. It is all part of the fun! You can establish a brand new persona if you like, in order to get in the game and really fool your friends.

There is no end to the advice, strategies and tips that are available online for Holdem enthusiasts. It has become one of the most written about casino topics, and you have an endless variety of places to get information on the subject.