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I’m a huge fan of Texas Holdem Poker, just like the next guy. I feel it’s like a game of chess for lawyers. You need to lie to convince others in a game of strategy. So, how do you play poker? Well, I’m only going to focus on Texas Holdem Poker and if you guys are ever up for a game, let me know! (Of course online poker isn’t the same as playing in person).

How to play Texas Holdem Poker? Well, the rules are pretty simple, it’s your game play that separates you from the losers and winners.

The rules:

The game starts off with a dealer, at least two players, a small and big blind, chips (or cash) and a 52-card deck.

1. Typically, we start off by dealing one card face up to determine who is going to start off as “the dealer.” The person with the highest card will start.

2. Once the dealer is determined, the first person to the left of the dealer has to toss in a forced ante, or the “small blind.” The second person to the left of the dealer then puts in a larger forced ante, or the “big blinds.” The small and big blinds can be made up to any number. Though, generally the big blinds is twice the amount of the small (ex. $1/$2, $2/$4, $3/$6, etc).

3. After the small and big blinds are in, the dealer deals two cards face down to everyone at the table, starting with the person on his left.

4. Once everyone has their cards, the first person “to act” would be the person to the left of the big blinds. They would have the option of calling the bet (big blinds), raise it, or fold. Betting continues around the table, clockwise. If no one raises the big blinds, the person who put had the forced ante (big blinds) has the option to simply check.

Tip: Playing your position at the table is a very important part of the game. If you are the last person at the table “to act” then you want to bet so people don’t get free hands.

5. After the betting is completed, three cards are dealt face up in the center of the table, which is also referred to as the “board.” The first three cards that are dealt in Texas Holdem Poker is called “the flop.” These cards are “community cards” in which everyone can use them in combination with their own cards to make the best hand.

6. From the flop on, betting begins with the person to the left of the dealer, who can check or bet. The dealer is the last to act, so again, play your positions carefully.

7. After betting is completed, a fourth card is dealt face up on the board which is called “the turn.”

8. After another round of betting, the final card dealt face up is called “the river.”

9. Once betting is finished, the remaining players show their cards to see who makes the best five cards. The person who makes the initial bet (or the last person to initiate the bet) is the first person who would turn over their cards.

Keep in mind: In some occasions in Texas Holdem Poker, the five cards on the board could possibly be the best hand. In which case the “pot” (the money from the betting) is split among the active players.

And that’s how you play poker - particularly Texas Holdem Poker. If you ever want to play, let me know! Again, I rather play in person but online would be good enough.

Stay tuned as I’ll be giving away some of my personal tips!