Playing Texas hold 'em

Play begins with the two players sitting to the left of the dealer posting the blinds. The player at the first seat pays the small blind with is usually equivalent to half of the smallest bet at table. The next player pays the big blind which is double the size of the small blind. The dealer than deals every player two cards face-down which are called the hole cards.

Before the first betting round each player looks at their hole cards. The player to the left of the player who posted the big blind is first to act in the betting round. He can choose whether to fold, call (bet the same amount as the big blind), or to raise. Let's assume that he chooses to call the big blind. The turn goes on to the next player who has the same options until it reaches the player who posted the big blind. He can choose either to check or raise. If he raises the betting round continues until all players have put the same amount in the pot.

The flop

After the first betting round the dealer places three cards face-up on the table. This is called the flop and the cards are community cards which can be used by all players the make up their five-card hand. The second betting round is just like the first except that the player who posted the big blind is not given the last word. The round is complete when all players have put the same amount in the pot.

The Turn

The dealer places a forth card on the table which is called the turn or forth street. After this a third betting round begins.

The River

The dealer places a fifth card on the table which is called the river or fifth street. After this the final betting round begins.

Showdown

If two or more players remain after the final betting round, it's time for the showdown. Each player combines his two hole cards with the five community cards on the table. A player can use both or only one of his hole cards to form his best five-card hand. If the five community cards form a stronger hand that any of these combinations the player is said to be playing the board. In case the best ranked hand is shared by more than one player the pot is split by the two.

The player last called shows his cards first. If this hand is higher that the other players hands they have the option to muck there cards. (not show them to the other players)

The player with the highest ranking hand wins the pot.