“It takes a minute to learn, but a lifetime to master.”
“It takes a minute to learn, but a lifetime to master.”
That’s the old saying about the game of poker — and if you’re interested in learning how to play poker, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we explain the basic poker rules and core game dynamics that determine how poker is played, keeping things as simple and clear as possible for new players.
We use No-Limit Texas Hold’em — the most popular poker variant — as our main example, while also introducing other poker variants to help you understand how the game can differ.
Among the topics we’ll cover:
In cash games, the goal is to win real money, while in tournaments the objective is to build the largest chip stack and finish at the top to claim the biggest prizes. Although these formats work differently, the core objective is the same: having the best hand at the right moment to win the pot.
To win a hand in poker, you either need to force your opponents to fold — often by bluffing — or reach the end of the hand with the strongest cards at the showdown. Poker hands are always made up of five cards, ranging from a simple high card to a Royal Flush.
Below is a list of the best possible poker hands under standard poker rules, ranked from strongest to weakest:
This section provides a general overview of how a hand of poker is played, using No-Limit Texas Hold’em as the example. A hand begins with each player receiving two face-down cards, known as hole cards.
When it is their turn to act, players always have the following options: bet, call, raise, or fold.
Players win a hand by forming the best possible five-card hand using any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards on the board.
After the cards are dealt, a round of betting called the preflop takes place. Each betting round after that is referred to as a different “street.”
Flop – The first three community cards dealt are known as the flop. All remaining players can use these cards to help form the best possible hand. A round of betting follows, starting with the first active player to the left of the dealer button.
Turn – Also called Fourth Street, the turn is the fourth community card. Another betting round follows, again beginning with the first active player to the left of the button.
River – Known as Fifth Street, the river is the fifth and final community card. A final betting round takes place. If more than one player remains, the hand proceeds to a showdown.
At showdown, players reveal their hands. The last player to bet or raise must show first. The player with the best five-card hand wins the pot.
Example: In a $1/$2 No-Limit Hold’em game, you are facing a $2 big blind bet. You can either call, raise, or fold.
You raise to $6 holding A♦K♣. All players fold except the big blind, who calls.
The flop comes A♣ 5♠ 6♥. The big blind checks, and you bet $10 with top pair. They call.
The turn is K♦. After another check, you bet $25 with two pair. Your opponent calls again.
The river is 2♣. Your opponent checks, and you bet $100. They call, and the hand goes to showdown.
Your A♦K♣ combined with the board gives you two pair, which beats your opponent’s A♥Q♠. You win the pot.
This example shows how a hand progresses from preflop to showdown. Next, it’s important to understand how the dealer button and blinds work.
In most poker games, a dedicated dealer handles the cards. In home games, players may rotate the deal among themselves.
A dealer button indicates which player has the deal. The button moves one position clockwise after each hand and determines where the action begins.
The action always starts with the first player to the left of the button.
Before any cards are dealt, the player directly left of the button posts the small blind, and the next player posts the big blind.
These blinds are forced bets designed to create action. Without blinds, players could simply wait for premium hands without risking chips.
For example, in a $1/$2 No-Limit Hold’em game, the small blind is $1 and the big blind is $2. Posting blinds is mandatory; players who refuse must sit out.
Poker is played in two main formats: cash games (also called ring games) and tournaments. While the core rules are the same, there are several key differences.
Modern tournaments often use button or big blind antes to speed up play and maintain action.
The goal is to make the best five-card hand or force opponents to fold. Understanding hand rankings, betting options, and basic strategy is essential.
The player with the best five-card hand wins the pot. If hands are equal, the pot is split. If all other players fold, the remaining player wins without showing cards.
Yes. Tournament blinds increase and players compete until eliminated. Cash game blinds stay the same and players can leave at any time.
Betting rules depend on the format. In No-Limit games, players may bet any amount of their chips at any time.
No. Players may use any combination of hole cards and board cards.
If exposed during the deal, the card is replaced and becomes a burn card. If exposed mid-hand, play continues.
Rotating the button ensures all players have equal positional advantage over time.
Yes. Both are legitimate strategic elements of poker.
In cash games, the hand is folded. In tournaments, blinds continue until chips are gone.
Straddles are optional blind bets that raise the stakes, though not all venues allow them.
While Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker variant, many others are widely played.
