Texas Holdem

In Texas Hold'em, seven cards are available to each player. Players' hands consist of two cards dealt face down to each player and five cards dealt face up to the board, which are shared by all players in the game. Players can construct their final hands using any five cards from the two cards in their own hands and the five cards from the board. A player wins by having the highest-ranking hand of five cards.

Each hand can start with ten players or fewer. Opening betting rotates clockwise with each new hand using a dealer button and blinds. The blind bets are mandatory bets made by the first two players to the left of the dealer button. The last player to bet usually has the advantage. Because the dealer button moves to each player, each player has the chance to benefit from this advantage.

How Play Proceeds

Play begins with each player receiving two cards face down, followed by the first betting interval. The player immediately to the left of the dealer button must open the betting. The first bet is called a small blind and is equal to half of the lower bet amount for the table. The second bet is called a big blind and raises the pot to be equal to the lower bet amount. The player to the left of the small blind is responsible for the big blind. The player to the left of the big blind must call the mandatory bet amount, raise an amount equal to the size of the bet, or fold. Betting then passes around to each player as it would normally. If all players either call or fold, the player who made the big blind then has the option of checking or raising.

In all betting intervals, if more than two players are betting, there is a limit of three raises amongst all players (not counting the big blind in the first betting interval). If only two players are in the hand, the number of raises can be unlimited.

The Flop

The next three cards dealt face up to the board are called the flop. The dealer turns all three cards over at the same time, for all players to use in their hands. The second betting interval begins with the first player to the left of the dealer button. This player can check, fold, or open with a bet. The lower bet amount is required at the flop.
Each player then has the option to check, call, raise, or fold. The betting continues as long as players keep raising their bets. Betting stops when all players have called (the betting has equalized).

The Turn

The fourth card dealt face up to the board is called the turn. A third betting interval ensues, again starting with the player to the left of the dealer button and ending with all bets equalized. The upper bet amount is now in force.

The River

The fifth and final card dealt face up to the board is called the river or fifth street. The final betting interval takes place, starting with the player to the left of the dealer button and ending with all bets equalized. The upper bet amount is still in force.

The Showdown

When betting is complete, all players who are still in show their hands. The player with the highest-ranking five cards wins the pot. If hands tie, the pot is split between the winners.

Summary

Two cards dealt to each player (face down), first betting interval.
Third, fourth, and fifth cards dealt to the board (face up), second betting interval.
Sixth card dealt to the board (face up), third betting interval.
Seventh and final card dealt to the board (face up), final betting interval.