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)

1. Royal Flush
A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit.
2. Straight Flush
Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
3. Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank.
4. Full House
Three of a kind plus a pair.
5. Flush
Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
6. Straight
Five consecutive cards of mixed suits.
7. Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank.
8. Two Pair
Two different pairs.
9. One Pair
Two cards of the same rank.
10. High Card
No matching cards. The highest card plays.

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.