Texas Hold’em overview
Each player receives two private cards. Five community cards appear across the flop, turn and river, with betting rounds between. Your best five-card hand wins at showdown unless everyone else folds earlier.
Hand rankings
From highest: royal flush (a special straight flush), straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, one pair, and high card.
Position and starting hands
Acting later usually provides more information. Tight starting-hand selection and avoiding dominated hands are useful principles for beginners.
Pot odds
If calling 10 could win a final pot of 50 including your call, you need at least 20% equity to break even before rake and future action. Expected value should drive decisions rather than streaks.
Study a hand chart and learn the effects of position before attempting advanced bluffs.
Ready to try it?
Practice tools are for education only. Real casino rules and paytables can differ.
Explore odds tools →