Texas Hold'em rules: how to play, step by step
No-Limit Texas Hold'em is the most popular poker game in the world. You can learn the rules in ten minutes — this guide walks you through one full hand.
The goal
Win chips. You do it in one of two ways: everyone else folds, or you have the best five-card hand at the showdown. Your five-card hand is made from any combination of your two hole cards and the five community cards on the table.
One hand, step by step
1. Blinds
The two players to the left of the dealer button post forced bets: the small blind and the big blind. The button moves one seat to the left after every hand, so everybody pays the blinds in turn.
2. Pre-flop
Everyone gets two cards face down. Betting starts with the player to the left of the big blind. Each player can fold, call the big blind or raise.
3. Flop
Three community cards are dealt face up. A new betting round starts with the first active player to the left of the button.
4. Turn
A fourth community card, another round of betting.
5. River
The fifth and last community card, the last round of betting.
6. Showdown
If two or more players are left, they show their cards. The best five-card hand takes the pot; equal hands split it. See the full hand rankings.
Betting actions
| Action | What it means |
|---|---|
| Check | pass without betting — only if nobody has bet in this round |
| Bet | put chips in first in this round |
| Call | match the current bet |
| Raise | increase the bet; the minimum raise equals the previous raise |
| Fold | give up the hand and the chips you already put in |
| All-in | put in all your chips |
"No-Limit" means you can bet any amount up to everything in front of you at any time.
All-in and side pots
You can never lose more than you put on the table, and you can only win from each opponent as much as you put in yourself. When a short stack goes all-in and others keep betting, the extra chips go into a side pot that the short stack cannot win. The table does this automatically.
Example hand
You hold A♠ K♠. The flop is K♦ 9♠ 4♣ — you have top pair with the best kicker. Your opponent bets, you call. Turn 2♠ — now you also have a flush draw. River J♠ — you make the ace-high flush, the best possible hand on that board ("the nuts"). Bet for value!
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Create a free account →Beginner tips that save money
- Play fewer hands. Most two-card hands should be folded. Good start: pairs, two high cards (A-K, A-Q, K-Q), suited aces.
- Position is power. Acting last (on the button) lets you see what everyone does first. Play more hands late, fewer early.
- Don't chase every draw. If calling costs more than the pot is likely to pay you back, fold.
- Watch the board. Four cards of one suit on the table? Somebody may already have a flush.
- Manage your bankroll. Sit with no more than 5% of your poker money at one table.
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Open the cash tables →FAQ
How many cards do you get in Texas Hold'em?
Two private hole cards. Five community cards are shared by everyone.
Do I have to use both of my hole cards?
No. In Hold'em your best five-card hand can use two, one or even none of your hole cards.
What happens if two players have the same hand?
The pot is split equally between them.
What does No-Limit mean?
You can bet or raise any amount up to all the chips in front of you.
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