Texas Holdem Overview

When it comes to playing online poker, or for that matter live poker, it is not all about the cards that are in your hand, but what the other people playing against you think you may have in your hand. A good bluff is often worth more than a handful of good cards. This game of chance is becoming extremely popular in eastern parts of Europe. Visit http://www.pokerroom.com/ for more information.

It is vitally important to be able to bluff well. If you haven't yet learned how to do this, you really should do so as soon as possible. Bluffing is absolutely essential to winning any significant amounts, and if you can't bluff then anyone who can will have the edge over you. Of course, it is just as important that you once you have learned to bluff, you do so wisely. Some people become addicted to bluffing, and do so at every opportunity. This will only result in people realizing you are bluffing, and calling you on it. You need to avoid being caught bluffing, as if you can bluff but people think you can't you will be much better off.

For those first starting out, the variety of poker games can be a bit daunting. Luckily, there is one game (Texas Holdem) which is essentially the standard. So if you learn this, then you will be able to play with most people you meet. Better then this, it can be learnt in just a few minutes, although it takes years to master fully. So you can learn the rules, start playing, and be reasonably good in only a few hours practice. The most important thing to remember is that there are only two cards of yours that your opponent cannot see. You have to decide if you stay in right off, which is a pretty big decision to make with only two cards in hand. You can check out some advice and probabilities at http://www.pokerroom.com/texas-holdem, which may help you out. And of course, if you need to practice, you can play free poker online at several different sites including pokerroom.com.

Texas Holdem Overview:

1. To play poker one player will have a dealer marker in front of them. Each game that spot will change to the next person to the left.

2. A standard 52-card playing deck is used.

3. To start the game, the dealer gives each player two cards face down- these are the hole cards.

4. You have three options on your turn: you can call, raise, or fold.

5. The amount you can bet will be different depending on the type of game being played.

6. After everyone has finished their bets, the dealer burns one card and flips over three (the flop).

7. There is another round of betting.

8. Next, the dealer burns another card and flips one more onto the table, the turn card.

9. Another round of betting ensues, beginning with the player to the dealers left.

10. The dealer then burns a final card and flips over the river card.

11. Each player has to make the best 5-card hand they can with the two cards in hand, and the five on the table. You can see a list of the possible hands at http://www.pokerroom.com/

12. There is one more round of betting.

13. The players who are still in will show their hands.

14. Whoever has the best hand, is the winner. If the top two hands are the same, then they share the prize.