Poker Rules — Texas Hold’em Complete Guide
Texas Hold’em is the most widely played form of poker in the world and the dominant game on every major European network. This guide covers everything from hand rankings to betting structure.
Texas Hold’em — The Basics
Texas Hold’em is a community card game played between 2 and 10 players. Each player receives two private cards (hole cards). Five community cards are dealt face-up in stages: the flop (three cards), the turn (one card) and the river (one card). The goal is to make the best possible five-card hand using any combination of your hole cards and the community cards.
Hand Rankings (Highest to Lowest)
The Four Betting Rounds
Pre-flop: Each player is dealt two hole cards. Action begins left of the big blind — players can fold, call or raise.
The Flop: Three community cards are revealed. Betting begins left of the dealer button.
The Turn: A fourth community card is dealt. Another round of betting follows.
The River: The fifth and final community card. Final betting, then showdown if multiple players remain.
Table Positions
Position is crucial in poker. Acting last gives you maximum information. Key positions: dealer button (best position, acts last post-flop), small blind (forced half-bet), big blind (forced full bet), and middle positions — under the gun (UTG), hijack, cutoff.
Bet Sizing in No-Limit Hold’em
In No-Limit Texas Hold’em, players can bet any amount up to their full stack. Standard opens are 2x–3x the big blind. Continuation bets run 33–66% of pot. There is no maximum — going all-in is always an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many cards do you get in Texas Hold’em?
- Each player receives exactly two private cards (called “hole cards”) face down. Five community cards are then dealt face up on the board in three stages: the flop (three cards), the turn (one card), and the river (one card). Players make the best five-card hand using any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards.
- What beats what in poker hand rankings?
- From highest to lowest, the standard poker hand rankings are: Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, and High Card. A Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit) is the strongest possible hand, while a High Card hand with no pair or better is the weakest.
- What happens when two players have the same hand?
- When two players hold hands of equal rank, the pot is split equally between them (a “chop” or “split pot”). If both players have the same pair, the winner is determined by the highest side card (kicker). If all five cards are identical in rank, the pot is always split regardless of suit — suits have no ranking in standard poker.
- What is the difference between No-Limit, Pot-Limit, and Fixed-Limit Hold’em?
- In No-Limit Hold’em, players can bet any amount up to their entire stack at any time. In Pot-Limit Hold’em, the maximum bet is the current size of the pot. In Fixed-Limit Hold’em, bets and raises are set at predetermined amounts (e.g., the small bet pre-flop and on the flop, double that on the turn and river). No-Limit is by far the most popular format today.
- What is the “button” and why does position matter?
- The button (or “dealer button”) marks the player who acts last on every post-flop betting round. Position is one of the most important concepts in poker because acting last gives you more information — you see what every other player does before making your decision. Players “on the button” can play more hands profitably because of this informational advantage.
Next Steps: From Rules to Strategy
Now that you understand the rules of Texas Hold’em, it is time to develop your strategic game. These guides will help you move from knowing the rules to winning at the table:
- 10 Beginner Mistakes to Avoid — knowing the rules is not enough. Make sure you are not falling into the most common traps that cost new players money.
- How to Bluff and Spot Bluffs — master the strategic element that separates average players from winning ones.
- Player Types and Strategies — learn to identify the four main player archetypes and adjust your play against each one.
- Bankroll Management — protect your poker funds and understand how much you need to play at each stake level.
- Poker Glossary — confused by poker terminology? Our complete glossary covers every term you will encounter at the tables.
When you are ready to play, explore our poker room reviews for honest assessments of every major European room, or find a live poker club near you. Check the regulations in your country to understand the legal landscape before you start.