The rules of the game of poker

Poker has a number of versions, each with its own special features. However, their rules are based on a common foundation. The card game is Texas Hold’em https://grantmullerhomes.com/, the most popular version of poker, which can be found in casinos and online services as well as in specialized tournaments.

Blinds

In Texas Hold’em there are two blinds, the small blind and the big blind. These are the forced bets required by two players to make sure there are chips in the pot worth playing for. Without money in the pot, all participants would be able to fold much more frequently, which would slow down the action considerably.

The player to the left of the dealer bets the small blind. The big blind (usually twice the small blind) is placed by the player to the left of the small blind. The size of the blinds will determine the stakes in the game.

Rounds

A round consists of a minimum of one and a maximum of four bets. The Hand ends when all but one player has folded. Or the fourth (final) betting round ends when more than one player remains in the hand. At this point the contestants enter showdown and the player with the highest combination takes the pot. If two players tie for the highest combination, the pot is divided equally between them.

Preflop

When all players get their cards dealt, it’s a round of betting on the preflop. Everyone looks at their cards and decides what to do. The preflop betting round starts with the player to the left of the big blind. He has three options:

1. Fold: Don’t put anything in the pot and fold his hand and wait for the next hand.
2. Call: Match the size of the big blind (also known as the “Limp In” in pre-flop).
3. Raise: To raise the bet by doubling the size of the big blind.

After the player has made his/her action, the turn passes to the player to his/her left.

Flop

Once the preflop ends, the flop is dealt. This is done by addressing the top card in the deck face down on the table (the so-called “burning” card, it’s not in play), then the three open cards in the centre of the table. These are the common flop cards that all players can use to put together their best poker combination of 5 cards. After the flop is dealt, the first round of betting begins.

Postflop

The betting round is the same as in the pre-flop with two small exceptions. The next player to the left of the dealer makes the first move. The player who makes the move first may check or bet; since no bets have been placed, it’s free.

Turn

After the flop round is completed, the dealer again “burns” one face down card from the deck, followed by one face up card in the middle of the table next to the 3 flop cards. The turn is dealt, and the third round of dealing begins.

River

Assuming that more than one player has not discarded a card on one of the previous streets, the river is dealt. The dealout is identical to the one on the turn with one discarded card – face down, followed by one card face up. This is the last street, and there are no more cards in this hand. The final betting round is identical to the round on the turn.

Showdown

After the betting round on the river the players proceed to the showdown. This determines the best poker hand from the 5 cards. Its owner wins the pot.