Everything you need to sit down at a poker table, from the very basics to your first hand.
You receive 2 private cards (hole cards) that only you can see. Then 5 community cards are dealt face-up on the table. Your job: make the best 5-card hand from any combination of those 7 cards.
The highlighted cards form the best possible hand. The dimmed cards aren't used.
There are 10 categories of poker hands. Memorize these — they're listed from strongest (#10) to weakest (#1).
Poker is played at an oval table. Each hand, one player is the Dealer. The two players to the left must post forced bets called blinds. Positions rotate clockwise every hand.
When it's your turn, you always have some of these options available.
No bet to match? Pass your turn and stay in the hand. Free to see the next card.
Someone bet? Match their amount to stay in the hand.
No one has bet yet? Be the first to put chips in. Others must now call, raise, or fold.
Someone bet? Increase the amount. Forces everyone to decide again.
Give up your cards and exit the hand. You lose any chips you've already put in, but risk nothing more.
A hand of Texas Hold'em plays out in 4 stages. Each stage reveals cards and has a round of betting.
Blinds are posted. Each player receives 2 hole cards face down. Betting begins with the player left of the Big Blind (UTG).
Three community cards are dealt face-up. A new betting round begins, starting with the first active player left of the dealer.
A fourth community card is added. Another betting round.
The fifth and final community card. Last betting round. If more than one player remains…
Remaining players reveal their hole cards. The player with the best 5-card hand wins the pot!
Follow along as we play out a complete hand, step by step. Click "Next" to advance. Watch the chips move!