Betting Structure
At the beginning of a new game of texas hold'em poker, each player is
dealt two cards face down. (Hole Cards)
Each bet of the first two rounds of betting is set at the lower limit of
the stakes structure. For example in a $5/$10 game, all bets and raises
are $5 for the first two rounds (after hole cards are dealt and once the
flop is spread in center of table).
The last two rounds of betting (turn card and river) are set at the higher
limit of the stakes structure. For example in a $5/$10 game, all bets and
raises are $10 for the last two rounds.
One bet plus three raises (four total bets) are the maximum amount of bets
allowed per betting round. This would consist of (1) a bet, (2) a raise,
(3) a re-raise, and (4) a cap. The term cap is used to describe the 3rd
raise in a round since betting is then capped and cannot be raised
anymore. Once any player has made the third raise (capped the pot), then
players will have only the option of calling or folding.
Check-raising is allowed in all online texas hold'em poker games.
Dealer Button
In order to designate which player is the theoretical dealer in Texas
Hold'em poker games, a round disk is used. This disk is called the dealer
button or simply "the button".
After each hand is completed, the button moves clockwise to the next
active player and this player will be considered to be the dealer, and
will act on his/her hand last on each betting round. This is also termed
playing the button for that texas hold'em game.
Blinds
The player to the left of the button is first to receive a card and is
required to post a small blind. The small blind is equal to half the lower
limit bet rounded down to the nearest dollar. The player to the left of
the small blind is required to post the big blind. The big blind is equal
to the lower limit bet. These bets are referred to as blinds because
players must post them before the dealer deals any cards to the players.
These blinds are similar to the ante that is required in other games such
as 7-Card Stud.
Both the small and the big blinds are considered live bets. They have the
option of calling, raising or folding when the betting action comes back
around to their position. After the flop and after each subsequent betting
round, the first active player left of the button is first to act.
When players first sit down to play, they will be required to post the
equivalent of the big blind only once or they have the option to "sit out"
until it is their natural turn to post the big blind. This rule is in
place to ensure game fairness to all players. The rule prevents the
possibility of players entering games in late position and then leaving
before they are required a post the big blind.
Showdown
At the showdown, players may use a combination of both, one, or none of
their hole cards to make their best five card hand.
If a player uses both of their hole cards, they will use three of the
community board cards; or one hole card and four of the five board cards;
or all five board cards, which is commonly called "playing the board"
betting.
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