There are many games in the world of poker, Texas ‘hold em, and 5 card stud are just two examples. Learning how to play poker can be a bit difficult, especially if you have never played before. Right now, the most popular game in poker is Texas ‘hold em, which is usually played with 9 to 10 people at a table with a blind system for betting. All players have to put up an ante, while two players have to put up bets in advance. The player in the big blind seat puts up a bet equal to the minimum on the table while the small blind player puts up a beat equal to half of the minimum. The blind system rotates around the table.
Each player is dealt two cards face down – called hole cards. Starting from left of the dealer, betting begins. Players can check – meaning no bet, or make a bet. That means the next player must match the bet or retire from that hand. Community cards are turned over in three stages – first three cards, then one more and then the final card. At each stage, more betting can take place, or a player can fold and leave the game until the next hand. The goal in Texas ‘hold em, like all poker games, is the best five card hand – in this case your two cards and three of the five cards in the community area. Poker can be fun and easy to learn. Once you are comfortable with betting and understand which hands are the best, you are ready to play.

Image courtesy of 






