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Texas Hold’em is the most popular variation of poker in the world. Players play against each other to create the strongest five-card hand to win. In the game, each player is dealt a hand of two “hole cards,” which are combined with five “community cards” dealt in the center of the table to create a hand. Ultimately, the player with the strongest hand wins.

Below is a detailed description of the rules of Texas Hold’em.

1. purpose

The object of Texas Hold’em is to win the pot (total bets) by building a five-card poker hand that is stronger than the other players. To win, you must either make a stronger hand than your opponent or surrender (fold) your opponent to win the pot.

2. strength of the role

The strength of a poker hand is determined in the following order (from highest to lowest)

1. Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 in the same suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades).
2. Straight flush: five consecutive numbers in the same suit.
3. Four of a kind: a set of four cards of the same rank (e.g., four nines).
4. Full house: 3 cards of the same rank and 2 cards of another same rank (e.g. 3 A’s and 2 K’s).
5. Flush: five cards of the same suit.
6. Straight: 5 consecutive cards (no suit involved).
7. Three of a kind: Three cards of the same rank.
8. Two-pair: Two pairs of the same rank of two cards each.
9. One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
10. High card: If no hand is possible, the highest card rank wins the game.

3. game progress

1. blind bet

In Texas Hold’em, two players place a forced bet before the game.

• Small Blind: The player to the left of the dealer first bets the small blind (half the minimum bet).
• Big Blind: The player to his left bets the big blind (full minimum bet).

This allows the pot to form before the game begins, making it easier to move bets in each round.

2. distribution of hall cards

All players are dealt two hole cards (a hand that only they can see) face down. These cards are not visible to other players.

3. preflop

Players look at the two hole cards they are dealt to determine if they have a strong hand. The betting turn begins with the player to the left of the big blind. At this point, players can choose their next action.

• Fold: Get out of the game by getting out of the hand.
• Call: Bet the same amount as the big blind and continue the game.
• Raise: Raise the wager above the current bet amount.

When all players have completed their actions, the game proceeds to the next “flop”.

4. flop

Three “community cards” are dealt face up in the center of the table. These cards are available to all players.

At this point, the player combines his two hole cards and the three cards on the flop to create the strongest possible hand.

The betting round begins again. The betting turn begins to the left of the dealer, with the option to fold, call, or raise.

5. turn

After the flop, a fourth community card is dealt face up on the table. This card is also available to all players.

The betting round will take place again.

6. river

The fifth and final community card is dealt to the table. All players now use their two hole cards and five community cards to create the strongest five-card combination.

The last betting round will take place.

7. showdown

After the last bet is placed, the remaining players reveal their hole cards and compete to see who has made the strongest hand. The player with the strongest hole wins the pot.

• If the strength of the roles are the same, the pot is drawn (split).

4. description of actions

• Check: Passing the action to the next player without betting. This can be done when no one has bet in a betting round.
• Bet: To place a wager first.
• Raise: To raise the wager above the bet placed by the previous player.
• Fold: To give up one’s hand and exit the round.
• All-in: to bet all the chips in hand.

5. importance of position

In Texas hold’em, the style of play varies greatly depending on where you are (position).

• Dealer position (Button): the most advantageous position and the last to act, allowing a decision to be made after seeing the actions of the other players.
• Blind Position: The small blind and big blind are at a positional disadvantage because they force the first bet.

6. key strategic points

• Make a role: Using the two cards in your hand and the five community cards, choose the five strongest cards. Always be aware of which yaku you can make.
• Bluffing: This is a strategy that allows you to dismount your opponent with a weak hand, but under the guise of a strong hand. It requires good timing and the ability to read the opponent’s moves.
• Take advantage of your position: If your position is favorable, you can play more strategically because you can watch other players’ actions before deciding what you will do.

summary

Texas Hold’em is a very deep game with simple rules. The skill of bluffing to read your opponent’s hand and strategic play that takes into account your position can make the difference between winning and losing. It is a fascinating game that tests not only luck but also skill, as it involves not only the strength of the hand but also psychological warfare.