How to win
Win the pot by making the strongest five-card high hand or by making every opponent fold. You may use both, one, or none of your two private cards.
Deal and forced bets
A dealer button marks position. The two players to its left post the small and big blinds, then every player receives two private hole cards.
From deal to showdown
Texas Hold'em rules step by step
- 01
Post the blinds
The small blind and big blind create the opening pot. The dealer button moves clockwise after each completed hand.
- 02
Deal two hole cards
Each player receives two private cards. Only that player can see them until cards are revealed at showdown.
- 03
Bet before the flop
Action starts left of the big blind. Players may fold, call the current bet, or raise. No-limit players may wager up to their full stack.
- 04
Deal the flop
After one burn card, three community cards are dealt face up. A second betting round follows.
- 05
Deal the turn
One card is burned and one community card is dealt face up. A third betting round follows.
- 06
Deal the river
One final burn card and one final community card complete the board. The last betting round follows.
- 07
Settle the showdown
If two or more players remain, each forms the best five-card hand from the seven available cards. Equal hands split the applicable pot.
Showdown reference
Texas Hold'em hand rankings: strongest to weakest
-
RANK 1
Royal Flush
A-K-Q-J-10 in one suit: the highest possible straight flush.
-
RANK 2
Straight Flush
Five consecutive ranks in one suit. Compare the highest card.
-
RANK 3
Four of a Kind
Four cards of one rank, plus one kicker.
-
RANK 4
Full House
Three cards of one rank plus two cards of another rank.
-
RANK 5
Flush
Five cards in one suit that are not consecutive.
-
RANK 6
Straight
Five consecutive ranks in mixed suits.
-
RANK 7
Three of a Kind
Three cards of one rank plus two unmatched cards.
-
RANK 8
Two Pair
Two cards of one rank, two of another, plus one kicker.
-
RANK 9
One Pair
Two cards of one rank plus three unmatched cards.
-
RANK 10
High Card
No made hand above; compare the highest cards in order.
Practical decisions
Texas Hold'em strategy and best tips
General starting points for casual play—not a promise of results.
Start with fewer, stronger hands
Weak starting cards create difficult decisions on later streets. Entering fewer pots makes post-flop play easier while you learn.
Use position
Acting later lets you see checks, bets, and raises before choosing. Play more cautiously from early position.
Count value and drawing hands separately
A made pair can be ahead now; a straight or flush draw needs future cards. Do not treat a draw as if it has already arrived.
Size bets for a reason
Bet to get called by weaker hands, deny a cheap card, or represent strength. Avoid changing size only because you like or dislike your hand.
Review the whole action
Board texture, stack size, position, and prior bets matter together. Hand history is more useful than judging one card in isolation.
Common Hold'em mistakes
- Playing nearly every starting hand.
- Forgetting that the five community cards can play as everyone’s final hand.
- Calling large bets with a draw without considering price and remaining stack.
- Ignoring position when deciding whether to enter a pot.
Hold'em hand example
When the board plays
Your private cards
2♣3♦
Community cards
A♠K♠Q♠J♠10♠
Your best five cards are the five community cards: a royal flush. Every player still in the hand has the same best hand, so they split the pot. In Hold’em, you can use zero, one, or two of your private cards.
Host Texas Hold'em on Poker Friends
- Open the table setup. Use the create-table button below. Texas Hold'em is selected for you.
- Choose your table settings. Enter a nickname and table name, review the virtual-chip settings and player limit, and set a password if you want one. Then select Start Table.
- Invite your friends. Share the resulting table link or six-character game code. If you set a password, share it with your invited players too.
All chips are virtual and have no cash value. No deposit or download is required.
Keep learning
Related poker guides
Pot-Limit Omaha
Four private cards, but exactly two must play at showdown.
Read the complete guide →Short Deck Hold'em
Hold'em with a 36-card deck, antes, and adjusted hand rankings.
Read the complete guide →Five-Card Omaha
Five private cards create more combinations, draws, and redraws.
Read the complete guide →Play Texas Hold'em for free
Create a play-money table with Texas Hold'em already selected, then invite your friends. No rake, deposit, payment, or credit card is required.