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What is Texas Hold’em Poker?

Texas Hold’em is poker’s crown jewel – a game where strategy meets opportunity. Players receive two private cards and combine them with five community cards to create hands. Born in Texas and popularized through prestigious events like the World Series of Poker, it’s become the go-to game for both casual players and professionals.

What makes Hold’em special is balance. The game is simple to learn, yet endlessly deep in strategy. Most players prefer 6 to 9-handed tables for the optimal mix of action and skill, though you’ll find everything from heads-up battles to full-ring games in our diverse online poker lobby.

A Texas Hold'em freeroll poker tournament in on the CoinPoker online poker app.

How to Play Texas Hold’em

The Small Blind and Big Blind players post their forced bets (the blinds) to create the initial pot. Then, each player receives two cards face-down. The player left of the Big Blind is first to act, choosing to call, raise, or fold. Moving clockwise, every player gets these options until it comes back to the Small and Big Blind players. If there was no raise, the Big Blind can check.
Three community cards are dealt face-up on the table, known as “the flop”. The first active player left of the dealer button starts the action, with options to check or bet. Others must then call, raise, or fold. If there is no betting, players can check, passing the turn to the next player. Using the three flop cards, everyone playing can start to build poker combinations.
The dealer places a fourth community card face-up on the table. Just like on the flop, betting starts with the first active player to the left of the dealer button. Players can check if no one has bet, or they can make a bet. When faced with a bet, other players must fold, call, or raise.
The dealer places the fifth and final community card face-up on the table. The last betting round follows the same pattern as the flop and turn rounds—starting left of the dealer button, players can check or bet. But if a player has made a bet before them, calling, raising, or folding are the only options.
pre flop

How to Win

Show a Stronger Combination

When multiple players reach showdown, the best five-card poker hand wins. You can use any combination of your hole cards and the community cards to create your strongest hand. Understanding what beats what in Texas Hold'em is essential – from high card to royal flushes, every hand has a place in the ranking. Successful players know when to go for maximum value with strong hands.

Bet and Force Opponents to Fold

The beauty of Texas Hold'em? You don't always need the best hand to win. If your opponent thinks you have a good poker hand, they might want to save their chips and fold. Strategic betting and well-timed bluffs can convince opponents to fold better hands. The best players find perfect bluffing opportunities by considering the board, their opponents, and their own table image.

Texas Hold’em Hand Rankings

royal flush
straight flush
4 of a kind
full house
flush
straight
3 of a kind
2 pair
1 pair
high card

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Texas Hold’em Strategy

Want to elevate your game? Focus on these key areas:

  • Master Position Play: Your seat at the table matters more than most realize. Late position gives you more information and control, leading to better decisions.
  • Perfect Your Bluffing: Successful bluffs tell a convincing story through your betting patterns. Choose your spots when the board and opponent tendencies align.
  • Value Bet Effectively: With strong hands, extract maximum value by considering your opponent’s likely holdings and calling ranges. Learn more about value betting here.
  • Pick the Best Texas Holdem Starting Hands: Begin with premium hands and gradually expand your poker hand range as you gain experience. Position and table dynamics should influence your selection.

Want more tips? Level up your game with our essential beginner poker strategies.

Once you’re ready to take the next step, check out our advanced poker strategies for essential tips for pros.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Hold’em

  • Do I need to spend money to play poker?
    Not at all! We offer completely free games called “freerolls” where you can practice as much as you want. You’ll get virtual chips to play with, and our freerolls even offer real prizes. It’s the perfect way to learn without any pressure.
  • What’s special about Texas Hold’em compared to other poker games?
    Unlike traditional card games where you only use your own cards, Texas Hold’em lets everyone share some of the cards on the table. This makes the game exciting because you can see part of what everyone might have, but not everything. It’s easy to learn but offers plenty of room to develop your skills.
  • How do I start playing Texas Hold’em on CoinPoker?
    Download CoinPoker, make your first deposit (or join a freeroll), and start with low-stakes tables while learning the fundamentals. Our platform offers a smooth onboarding experience with various game formats suitable for beginners.
  • What’s the number one tip for poker beginners?
    Be patient and selective with your starting hands. Think of it like building a house – you need a solid foundation. Start by playing only your best cards, and wait until you have a good position at the table (meaning you act after most other players). This simple approach will help you avoid many common beginner mistakes.
  • How quickly can I learn to play poker?
    While basic rules take minutes to learn, developing a strong Texas Hold’em strategy requires practice and dedication. Start with our beginner tables and progress at your own pace. Most players see significant improvement within a few months of consistent play.