Although it may seem intimidating, Texas Holdem rules are pretty straightforward and the game is easy to pickup. Like most other poker varieties, the goal is to have the best hand, which, according to Texas holdem rules, must be made up of at least one of your cards and five "community" cards.

When the game, each player receives two cards face down. These are referred to as "hole cards" or "pocket cards." During the course of the game five additional cards are dealt face up in the middle of the table. These cards are available for all to use and following Texas Holdem rules, players are allowed to use the five cards placed on the board and the two in their hand to create a winning hand. The player with the best poker hand of all wins the game and, of course, nabs the jackpot.

Understanding The Blinds

In Texas Holdem two players must place a forced bet before the beginning of each hand. These are called a "Small Blind," which is half of the low limit bet size, and a "Big Blind," which matches the low limit bet size. Typically, the two players seated to the immediate left of the dealer are the ones to place the Small and the Big Blinds. The dealer rotates after each round.

Betting Rounds

The game of Texas Holdem features four betting rounds. In fixed limit Holdem games, during the first two betting rounds all bets must equal the low limit bet, while in the last two betting rounds, all bets must equal the high limit bet. If you happen to play $4-$8 Texas Holdem, all bets placed in the first two rounds would be made in increments of $4, and all bets placed in the last two rounds would be made in increments of $8.

The first betting round is called Preflop. After the Small and the Big Blinds are placed, the dealer deals all participants two cards. The action begins with the player seated to the immediate left of the Big Blind. He must now decide whether he wants to fold, call or raise. Action proceeds in clockwise direction around the table. After the first betting round, starts the second betting round called the Flop.

The dealer now places three cards on the board face up. These are the first community cards. Once again, the player to the immediate left of the dealer is the first to make a move. In this round, all bets and raises must match the low limit bet size (unless you are playing no limit). The "Flop" is followed by the turn. A fourth community card is dealt and placed face up in the middle of the table.

Play proceeds exactly as in the previous round, except now all bets and raises must match the high limit bet size. The turn is followed by the River. A fifth and final community card is dealt and placed face up in the middle of the table. All bets and raises must match the high limit bet size. At this point, the game is practically over. Everyone must now reveal their hands in order to learn who holds the strongest one. A player with such a hand is announced the winner.

Memorizing Texas Holdem Rules

Now that you know how to play, its important to practice and begin to learn some poker strategies. Most experienced poker players would tell you that memorizing these rules is just your first step towards actually winning the game. If your heart is really set on learning how to win without damaging your wallet too badly, look for online poker rooms featuring play-money game options.