So how do I play Texas Hold’Em?

1. Each game is made up of a total of 7 cards. Each player has 2 cards to themselves and there can be up to 5 cards in the middle of the table. These 5 cards are shared by everyone playing. Using their 2 cards and the 5 cards in the middle, (a total of 7 cards), each player makes the best hand of 5 cards to help win the game. Players do not have to use their own cards. The best 5 cards could be the 5 in the middle of the table.
2. All players start with $3,750 worth of chips.
3. To start the game, the players at each table will draw a high card to choose the dealer. That player will deal the first hand and will place the “dealer button” in front of them to indicate that they are the dealer.
4. The player to the left of the dealer must place the “Small Blind”. At the start of the night, this is $25.
5. The second player to the left of the dealer must place the “Big Blind”. This is worth twice the small blind and is the minimum bet. At the start of the night this is $50.
6. The dealer will deal 2 cards, face down, to each player. These cards are known as the “Hole Cards”. Players may look at their cards. These cards belong to the player. He/she does not show them to anyone else.
7. The third player to the left of the dealer must decide whether they will fold, call or raise based on the 2 cards in their hand. If they choose to fold, they put their 2 cards in the middle of the table and are no longer involved in the game. If they call, they must place a bet equal to the big blind. If they raise, they must place a bet at least twice the amount of the big blind.
8. The next player along decides what they are going to do and this continues around to the player who initially placed the big blind. Once all players have made their choices, the chips are put into the middle of the table and the deal continues.
9. The dealer “Burns” a card and places 3 cards face up in the middle of the table. This is known as the “Flop” and all players can use the 3 cards in the middle. Burning a card means that you place the card face down on the table.
10. The player to the left of the dealer now must decide whether they want to check or bet. If they check, it means that they want to stay in the game but do not want to bet any chips. If they bet, then they must make a bet worth at least the big blind.
11. The following players must then decide whether they want to check, call, raise or fold. You can only check if the players before you have checked.
12. Once the remaining players have decided what they are doing, the dealer burns another card and places one card face up in the middle of the table. This card is known as the “Turn” and all remaining players can use the 4 cards in the middle of the table.
13. Play continues as per 10 above. Once the remaining players have decided what they are doing, the dealer burns another card and places a card in the middle of the table. This card is known as the “River” card. There are no more cards in the game.
14. The players will now use their hole cards and the 5 cards in the middle of the table (a total of 7 cards) to make the best hand they can involving only 5 cards. Players do not have to use their hole cards.
15. The player to the left of the dealer (that is still in the game) must check or bet. The remaining players play as per 11 above.
16. After all betting has taken place, the player with the best hand wins and takes all the chips in the middle of the table. If only one player bets then they are automatically the winner. Should more then one player have the same hand then the pot is split.
17. The game is No Limit Texas Hold’Em so players can bet all their chips at any stage if they so wish. This is known as going “All In”. If they lose then they are out of the game.
18. As the games progress there may be “Split Pots”. This occurs when a player goes all in and there are other players left in the game with more money than that player. In this instance there may be a pot that the “All In” player can win and another pot that involves the remaining players.

How To Play Texas Hold'Em - Video Clip

This clip will give you an idea of the structure of Texas Hold'Em. If you are new to the game, have a look at the clip and when you come to one of our poker nights, let the Poker manager know that you are new to the game and they will make sure you are looked after.

Easy to follow instructions and information on the game

New To Pokerfun NZ How To Play Texas Hold'Em Poker Words And Phrases Awards and Bountys Nightly Blind Structure How To Qualify For The Regional Finals