Playing Texas Hold’em

Texas Hold’em is generally played with between two and ten people, although it can theoretically be played by up to 22 players, sometimes 23 if burn cards are not used. It is one of the most positional of all poker variants with the betting fixed throughout all betting rounds.

Like most other poker variants, the objective of Texas Hold‘em is to win the Pot. This is the sum of money bet by one or more players. The pot can be won either at the showdown by forming the best poker hand from up to seven cards available, or can be accomplished by betting to cause the other players to fold, thereby abandoning their claim to the pot.

Limit poker is recommended for beginners where a set amount is bet. In no-limit poker, however, you are able to win big pots with all-in bets, even when you don’t have the best hand.  If you are a beginner it is advised that you stick to limit poker until you are a more experienced player and have had an opportunity to develop your strategy.

In no-limit Texas Hold’em poker, the all-in factor is what allows you to bully your opponents and take a dominating position in the game. One of the best times to go all-in is when you steel a pot from your opponent, however, when you do this, you must be sure the hand meets these conditions:

-- You want outs. If your opponent calls, there should be cards left in the deck that could help you win the hand. Even if the odds are bad, you still want outs.

-- You must have a solid read on your opponent. If you are going to steel a pot, you must be confident that the other player will fold.

-- You want to have good positioning. Though this isn’t considered to be as important as the first two conditions, positioning is what usually allows you to get a solid read on opponents.

Developing your strategy is key to playing a good game. In poker, you are almost always playing to win, especially when money is at stake. You want to minimize your risk while maximizing your winnings.

Above all remember to have fun!