Basic Poker Rules & Gameplay
Learn the fundamental rules and structure of poker to start your journey
Structure of a Poker Hand
Preflop
Players are dealt their hole cards and the first round of betting occurs
- Players receive their private cards
- Betting starts with players to the left of the big blind
- Players can call, raise, or fold
Flop
First three community cards are dealt face-up on the board
- Second round of betting begins
- Players can use these cards with their hole cards
- Action starts with first active player to the left of the dealer
Turn
Fourth community card is dealt and another round of betting follows
- Also known as "Fourth Street"
- Betting limits often double on the turn
- Players continue to build their hands
River
Final community card is dealt followed by the last betting round
- Also called "Fifth Street"
- Final chance to bet
- Showdown occurs if multiple players remain
Basic Actions in Poker
Check
Pass the action to the next player without betting
Only possible if no one has bet before you
Call
Match the current bet amount to stay in the hand
Must match the highest bet to continue
Bet
Place chips into the pot when no one else has bet
Opens the action for that betting round
Raise
Increase the current bet amount
Must be at least twice the previous bet
Fold
Surrender your cards and forfeit the hand
No more chips required, but can't win the pot
Common Poker Variations
Texas Hold'em
- Two hole cards per player
- Five community cards
- Four betting rounds
- Most popular variation worldwide
Omaha
- Four hole cards per player
- Must use exactly two hole cards
- Five community cards
- Similar betting structure to Hold'em
Seven Card Stud
- No community cards
- Seven cards dealt per player
- Three down cards, four up cards
- Five betting rounds