Texas Holdem today is known as a thrilling game of high stakes, big names and even bigger wins. Invented in the early 20th century in Texas, and popularized in the late 1960s in Las Vegas, Texas Holdem gained a huge fanbase in both recreational and professional world.The game became very popular very quickly due to the opportunities it gives you to play strategically. Ever since then, it has been known as a game for high rollers, both in casinos and online. Today, there are multiple books written by experts on this topic, and tournaments are being held and broadcasted worldwide.
How to Play Texas Holdem
In Texas Holdem, every move is based on logic and strategy. The game at first might look much more complicated than it actually is. It is a game of poker focused equally on betting and cards being played. The game is divided into three main parts: Setup, Betting Rounds, and Showdown. 2 to 10 players, sitting at a single table, have only one goal- to win as many chips as possible, one pot at a time. The player wins a pot by having the best hand or having all the other players fold before the showdown.
At the beginning of the round, each player receives two cards face down called the 'hole cards', followed by a round of betting. Over the course of the following rounds, five more cards are dealt face up in the middle of the table. The first three board cards are being turned simultaneously, and the next two board cards are turned one at a time with a round of betting coming after each card. Players construct their five-card poker hands using the best available five cards out of the seven total cards- by using the 'hole cards' in combination with community cards or 'playing the board'.
Texas Holdem Rules
If you are just starting to learn Texas Holdem game rules, it is good to keep a rule book or a guide close for quick reference. There is also a number of online sites suitable for practice before you start playing with your own money. The key positions you will encounter at the Texas Holdem table are the Button and the Blinds. The Button is a round disc that sits in front of a player and indicates the dealer. It is rotated one seat to the left with every hand. The small and the big Blind indicate players forced to begin wagering- this ensures 'action' on every hand.
Once the dealer shuffles the deck, each player gets two cards face down. Once the cards are dealt, players look at their cards and the betting starts. The pot is the sum of money or chips that players bet during each hand, and the player who wins the Showdown wins the pot. Each player Acts when it's their turn in one of five acts:
- Check- betting zero
- Bet- the opening bet
- Call- to match a bet or a raise
- Fold- to forfeit the pot
- Raise- to increase the size of the current bet
- Re-Raise- to increase the size of the current bet for the second time in the same round
Texas Holdem Basic Strategy
Starting a game of poker without a strategy is like fighting in a boxing ring without the gloves. To develop and successfully use your strategy, you absolutely need to understand things like interactions between players, the odds, and the advantages and disadvantages of table positions. You must have a basic understanding of the odds and know what good and bad hands look like. There are a number of strategies and tips that can help you in a game of Texas Holdem, but many agree that there are five key strategic areas to know and focus on while playing.
- Opening Hands- you need to be aware of how your chosen opening hand will make you money.
- Bet Sizing- you need to be confident in your bet sizing. The betting varies on the stage the game is in.
- Limping- there is only one instance when limping is a good strategy, and that is when the game is very passive. Other times avoid limping because it can be seriously bad for your game.
- Knowing When to Fold- many things make a bad poker player bad, but not knowing when to fold is often their biggest weakness.
- Position- having a position over your opponent is one of your biggest advantages.
Free Texas Holdem Online
Poker is one of the favorite leisure activities for a lot of people. Understanding the rules, making strategies, and mastering the game can be truly thrilling and addictive. When trying to learn and master Texas Holdem Poker it is a good idea to practice by playing games without betting the real money.
There is an abundance of free online gaming sites that offer a variety of poker games for your practice. You can choose between multiplayer games or playing against the software. It is important to know that the thrill doesn't come from betting large amounts of your own money and that free play can be equally as fun.
Texas Holdem with Real Money
Poker can turn into a dangerous addiction. It is one of the addictions that can most easily lead to financial problems, which then lead to relationship or family problems, and even health issues. In order to prevent this, inform yourself about the importance of responsible gambling.
Poker should be a recreational activity, and in no way be seen as a mean of earning income. Here are some rules to follow:
- Make a budget and don't break it
- Know when to walk away
- Don't gamble when you're drunk, sad or upset
- Know that gambling is not a way of making a steady income
History of Texas Holdem
Robstown, Texas is recognized as a birthplace of this poker game. Although invented in the early 1900s, it took a few decades for the game to be introduced to the players outside of Texas. Described as 'a thinking man's game', Texas Holdem started its path of fame after a 1969 Las Vegas tournament.
In 1970, the first World Series of Poker was held, with the number of contestants growing bigger each year. The world of professional poker players still fascinates many people. There is no doubt that Texas Holdem came a long way from its humble beginnings, and the popularity of this game was recognized worldwide.