What are the rules for Texas Hold'em?

The Stakes

The stakes are tied directly to the game type you select. In both the Pot Limit (PL)* and No Limit (NL)* games, the stakes represent the amounts posted as the blinds. For a Pot Limit (PL)* Cash game, using a $5/$10 stakes example:

$5 will the Small Blind, $10 will be the Big Blind. Most of the times, players will sit at the table with a stack equivalent to 100X the Big Blind, in this case $1,000.

The Cap

In Texas Hold'em, each round of betting can consist of one bet and has a maximum of three allowable raises, known as the cap. So, if a bet is made, that bet can only be raised three times, after which all players must call or fold. However, if only two players remain in the hand the cap is increased to a maximum of five raises.

In both the Pot Limit (PL)* and No Limit (NL)* games, the stakes represent the amounts posted as the blinds.

The Blinds

The blinds are mandatory bets posted by two players at the start of each hand, before any cards are dealt. The player directly to the left of the dealer posts the small blind, it is equal to the small stake. The player to the left of the small blind posts the big blind, the big stake. Let's return to the example of the $5/$10 stakes again:

The big blind posts $5. In a $5/$10 ‘Pot Limit/No Limit’ game, the small blind posts $5, and the big blind posts $10.

In Texas Hold'em we use blinds as an incentive for players to play a hand and build the pot. Consider the blinds a mandatory bet and raise; any players that want to play the hand must match the big blind to stay in. The blinds are considered live bets, so when the action goes around the table and returns to players, they have the option of checking, calling, raising or folding as they see fit.

Players have the option of sitting out and waiting for the big blind to reach them. However, if a player sits out and misses posting the big blind, then that player will be required to post a big blind and a small "dead" blind before returning. This rule is in place to prevent potential abuse from players who join a table and then leave before having to post the blinds.

The Dealer Button

The Button is a graphic symbol that represents the theoretical dealer. After each hand the button moves clockwise to the next active player, who becomes the dealer for that hand. This player is considered to be "on the button," and is the last person to act in the betting round. The first player to the left of the button is the first to be dealt cards and act in each betting round.

The Gameplay

You’ve bought into a table, sat down and posted your big blind. Now what?

Pre-Flop...The Pocket Cards (aka the Hole Cards)

The dealer deals each player two cards face down. Only the player can see his/her hole cards. After the deal, the next player after the big blind decides whether to call, raise or fold the big blind. Each player in turn is given these options, until all bets are called and the big blind checks. Don't forget; in a ‘Pot Limit’ game, the bet can't exceed the pot amount.

The Flop

After the Pre-Flop, the dealer turns over the first three community cards, called "the flop." All betting rounds start with the player directly to the dealer's left.

The Turn (aka Fourth Street)

The fourth community card is shown and a new betting round begins. Betting continues until all bets are called.

The River

Here, the final community card is shown, and the last round of betting takes place.

The Showdown

All the bets have been called and it’s time to show the cards. The last player to bet or raise during the final betting round shows their hand first. If all the players checked through (nobody bet) the river, the player to the left of the dealer shows first. The remaining players' hands are automatically revealed moving clockwise, unless a hand is weaker than the winning hand shown. In this case, you'll have the option to show, or muck (fold without showing). The best five-card hand takes the pot. Remember, a winning Texas Hold'em hand must use two hole cards and three of the community cards to make the hand. For a complete list of hand rankings, please consult the Hand Rankings page.

Buying the Pot

If during a betting round you make a bet and all players fold to you, you’ve bought the pot. You have the option to show or muck your cards.

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