Texas Hold'em is the most popular poker game played today. It is a good game for beginner players to understand. Texas Hold'em is the game seen most often on the poker shows. You can learn more intricate details on how to play by following the link furnished below – How to Play Texas Hold'em. Let's first go over the basics of the game.

The Cards, Players, and Limits

The game is played with a typical 52-card deck of playing cards. It can be played between two (what is known as "heads up") or up to a maximum of eleven players. The betting structure varies greatly in Texas Hold'em. You can learn more about limits and betting under our Betting section. The five structures can have different limits, but the main betting structures include:

Fixed (Structured) Limit – this means there is an amount set that you can bet. Examples of this are: $1/$2, $5/$10, $10/$20, and so on.

Spread Limit – this means there is a range of amounts set, which you can bet. Examples of this are: $1-$5, $5-$10, and alike.

Pot Limit – this means any player can bet any amount between the big blind bet and the total amount of the pot, at any given time.

Half-Pot Limit (played in Europe mostly) – this is not usually found in American Texas Hold'em, but is popular in Europe. It is the same as pot limit, except the amounts are cut in half (half the big blind and half the total pot amounts are used).

No Limit – this means any player can place a bet that is any amount between the big blind and the total amount of money they have at the table at any time. Note – you will find that even though it is a "no limit" game they will have set blind amounts.

Do not be worried about all of the limits at first. Decide which limit you would prefer to learn and stick with it. Once you understand the basic poker betting procedures the betting limits will come easily. It may seem very difficult if you have never played Texas Hold'em before, but it really is not that complicated. The first two are the best ones for first time players. There are advantages to playing in the other limit games, but it is also more expensive. It is a good idea to stick with the lower limit games until you are a more experienced player.

Texas Hold'em Basic Game Procedure

The following is a simple example of the games procedure:

Pre-flop – this is the start of the game. Bets are placed for the "blinds", and then every player gets two cards.

Flop – this is the segment of Texas Hold'em when the dealer places three community cards on the table, which all players can use. Players can place bets at this time.

Turn – this is when the dealer places another card in the center of the table for all players. Players again can place bets.

River – this is the fifth and final community card placed on the table. Players place bets for the last time.

Showdown – after all bets have been made, the players show their hands. This is done in a specific order. The best hand wins. If there are two (or more) equal hands, the players divide the pot.