HERE'S HOW TO PLAY

 

Every player is dealt two cards, face down. These are called hole cards or pocket cards.

 

The action, or the first move, falls on the player to the left of the big blind. They can either call the blind, raise it, or fold. The size of a raise must be at least twice the size of the bet preceding it; the maximum depends on whether you are playing with a limit or no-limit betting structure. Betting then continues around the table, clockwise.

 

After the betting round is completed, three cards are dealt face up in the center of the table, which is referred to as the board.

 

The first three cards in Texas Hold'em are called the flop. These cards are “community cards” meaning everyone can (and will need to) use at least three of them in combination with their own hole cards to make the best hand.