So you’ve got your chips, your seat at the table, and your two hole cards. Now what?
Poker isn’t just about having a good hand—it’s about playing it well. This chapter walks you through a full hand of Texas Hold’em step-by-step so you don’t sit there blinking while the action zooms past you.
Step 1: Pre-Flop – The First Decision
You’re dealt two hole cards. Before anything else hits the board, you have a decision to make: fold, call, or raise.
- Fold: Toss your hand, move on.
- Call: Match the current bet.
- Raise: Increase the stakes. Signal strength—or fake it.
Step 2: The Flop – Now It Gets Interesting
Three community cards are dealt face-up. Now you evaluate whether your hand improved—or completely missed.
- Check: Pass the action if no one’s bet.
- Bet: Build the pot or pressure others.
- Call/Fold/Raise: Depending on your hand and opponents’ actions.
Step 3: The Turn – Fourth Street Drama
The fourth community card is dealt. This is where pots grow and players commit—or bail out. Keep reevaluating your hand strength.
Step 4: The River – The Final Card
The last community card drops. One more chance to bet, bluff, or check it down to a showdown.
Step 5: Showdown – Flip ‘Em or Muck ‘Em
If multiple players are still in, cards are revealed and the best five-card hand wins. If someone bet and got called, they show first. The other player(s) only have to show if they can beat it.
Beginner’s Tips for Playing a Hand
- Don’t limp too often. Raise or fold.
- Top pair isn’t always a monster.
- Don’t chase every draw blindly.
- Value bet when strong. Don’t slowplay too much.
- If unsure, folding is fine. Another hand’s coming.
You now know how to play a full hand—from hole cards to showdown. But playing hands isn’t the same as playing well. Next, we start building your foundation for that.
Next Up: Poker Strategy 101