Poker Rules

As you might now Poker has many variations, like Texas Hold'em, Omaha or Stud Poker. Texas Hold'em is the most popular and its poker rules are very similar to the other ones. This is why we concenrate on the Texas Hold'em poker rules here.

Blinds

In each round there are two bets called Blinds, which must be paid by two players. The Small Blind is the player who is left to the dealer and the Big Blind is next to him.

Hole Cards and First Betting Round

Each player gets two "hole" cards face down. The first betting round starts with the player sitting to the left of the big blind. This player can fold, call or raise. If the player calls he has to put a bet which is as high as the the Big Blind or Straddle. If he raises, he has to add an additional amount. Folding means quitting the round by pushing the hole cards towards the middle of the table.

Community Cards and Second Betting Round

After this first betting round the dealer delivers three community cards which are flipped face up. This constellation is called the flop. All following betting rounds begin with the first player to the dealer's left. In this round the player can also check, which means he can stay in the hand and does not need to bet until it is his turn.

The Turn

After the second round of betting is done a fourth community card is flipped, again face up. It is the turn. The next and third round of betting starts with the first remaining player sitting to the left of the button.

The River

At the end of the third round third the last community card is flipped face up on the table. It is called the river. The fourth round of betting begins with the first player who remains to the left of the button. The betting continues moving in clockwise direction.