How to Play Poker

Knowing the Basics

Almost every game of poker uses a single-deck with 52 cards. There are 13 cards in each suit with cards ranking in ascending value. The main difference in poker is that the ace represents both the low card and high card.

Check out our page on hand values by clicking here.

Dealing, Playing A Round and Betting

The manner in which cards are distributed depends on the game. In standard game of poker, for example, five cards are dealt face down to the player. In Texas Hold‘em, each player only receives two cards.

In any game, once the player cards have been dealt, there is a round of betting.

During each round of betting a player has a choice: they can fold their hand in which case in any bet they make will still be available in the pot. They also have the option of “checking” which is equivalent to passing. However, players can not check through if a bet has been placed by any player before them. Of course, players can also place bets.

The “table limit” represents the highest bet that you can possibly make at a single time. An example would be a “limit” set at $50 where no player can exceed a bet of $50. Another example is the “pot limit”, where no player can exceed the value of the chips in the center of the table. If a table is listed as “no limit” players can wager any amount they have available in their stack.

In some games there is something known as an “ante” or “blind”. This represents a pre-deal commitment to the hand so that there is something to play for regardless of how people react to their cards.

After each round of betting, more cards are dealt or exchanged depending on the type of poker game you are playing.

There are always a set amount of rounds of betting. Once the final round has been reached, and all bets have been submitted, the remaining players who have not folded present their cards during the showdown. The hand with the best value wins the pot, and the next game is dealt. Note that in some instances, players are not forced to show their final hand if they simply know they have lost and do not wish to do so.

A quick guide of common play styles and game progression

Note that 'pocket' cards are also known as 'whole cards' and 'table cards' are also known as 'community cards.'

Texas Hold'em

Omaha

Seven-Card Stud