Texas Holdem rules are really easy to follow. In Hold 'em, each player receives two cards face down. These are referred to as "hole cards" or "pocket cards."

During the course of the game five cards are dealt face up in the middle of the table. These are called "community cards." Texas Holdem 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 highest combination of all wins the game and, of course, nabs the jackpot. (Check out our Poker Rules section for poker's card ranking system.)

Blinds

In Texas Hold 'em 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.

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 Hold 'em, 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 participating players 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 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. 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 players' bets and raises must match the high limit bet size. At this point, the game is practically over. Players 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 the Rules

Texas Holdem rules are really easy to follow. But wait, haven't we already said that? Yes, we certainly have. However, 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 play without damaging your wallet too badly, look for online poker rooms featuring play-money game options.