The ABC’s of Poker for a Beginner
So you’ve decided to try your hand at poker? The best game to learn the ropes is by far Texas Hold ‘em. It is easy to learn and super fun to play. All you need to know are a few basic rules and you’ll be on your way before you know it. There are plenty of online poker sites that will let you try your luck for free (you won’t win any money off of these, but it helps to learn how to play poker ). So pull up a seat and grab a drink. It’s time to learn to play Texas Hold ‘em.
The game starts off with betting. This can vary from game to game but most of the time two players to the left of the dealer will post a blind bet, one large and one small to get the pot started (the pot is slang for the money that has been bet on the round).
After the blinds are posted the dealer will deal two cards face down to each player. These are called your pocket cards. After the pocket cards are dealt betting will start with the person left of the dealer betting on his hand so far. If you are the first player to bet, you will have the choice to check, bet, call, or fold.
After the first round of betting the dealer will discard the first card on top of the deck. This is to discourage any card counting or cheating. The dealer will then flip three cards in the middle of the table face up. This is the flop. Every player gets to use these cards to help their hand. For example if you have been dealt a two and an ace for your pocket cards and the flop cards are an ace, a ten, and a six then you have a pair of aces.
There is another round of betting that takes place after the flop. Once again, you will have the choice to check, bet, call, or fold.
After the bets the dealer will discard another top card and flip another face up on the table. This card is called the turn. It’s another card you can use to improve your hand. Another round of bets will take place after the turn.
Finally the dealer will discard another top card and turn one more face up on the table. This card is called the river. A final round of betting will take place and the player with the best hand wins.
Once you get the hang of it there is nothing to it. You can become a master poker player in no time. Start off trying your hand at free poker then you can build enough skill to enter poker tournaments. There is nothing like getting friends together for a poker game and it can also help you practice. Who knows, perhaps you can give them a run for their money.
Tags: poker, Poker Beginner
