Poker, the
Real Deal

Go beyond the hand rankings to understand the strategy and psychology of the table. Learn about pot odds, position, and how to make balanced decisions in every round of play.

How to Play

The goal is to create the best hand possible. Hold’em is a popular version of poker. Varieties follow this basic format.

  1. Ante: You place an initial bet, called an ante, to signal that you are playing this hand.
  2. Hole: Each player is dealt two cards face down (“the hole”). This is followed by a round of betting, during which you can either fold, check, or raise your bet.
  3. The Flop: Three community cards are dealt face up (“the flop”), followed by another round of betting.
  4. The Turn: A fourth community card (“the turn”) is dealt face up, followed by more betting.
  5. The River: Finally, a fifth community card is dealt face up, followed by a last round of betting.

What to Know

  • Keep it fun. Always remain realistic about your chances of winning. If you find yourself frustrated or no longer having fun, it’s time to step away and take a break.
  • Know the game. There are several variations of poker. Healthy play starts with a clear budget and an understanding of how your skill level and the house edge (the “rake”) impact your session.

Types of Hands

Royal Flush: 10-Jack-Queen-King-Ace, all in the same suit

Royal Flush

Straight Flush: Five cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking

Straight flush

Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank

Four of a Kind

Full House: A Three Of A Kind with a Pair

Full House

Flush: Five cards of the same suit

Flush

Straight: Five cards of consecutive rank, regardless of suit

Straight

Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank

Three of a Kind

Two Pair: Two sets of two cards of the same rank

Two Pair

Pair: Two cards of the same rank

Pair

High Card: The highest card when no other hand is made

Terms of the Game

Learn the key terms and concepts you’ll encounter so you’re equipped with the right language before playing the game.

Blind Bet

In some forms of poker, players sitting at certain spots of the table will have to make a wager before seeing any cards.

Call

To make a wager equal to the amount of the wager made immediately prior.

Raise

To make a wager higher than the last bet.

Check

To waive the right to start betting while retaining the right to act if another player begins to bet.

Fold

To refuse to call a raise; the player leaves the hand and discards their cards.

Blind Bet

In some forms of poker, players sitting at certain spots of the table will have to make a wager before seeing any cards.

Call

To make a wager equal to the amount of the wager made immediately prior.

Raise

To make a wager higher than the last bet.

Check

To waive the right to start betting while retaining the right to act if another player begins to bet.

Fold

To refuse to call a raise; the player leaves the hand and discards their cards.

Etiquette

  • Don’t slow roll or angle shoot.
  • Avoid tanking or acting out of turn.
  • Don’t eat during a game.
  • Keep table conversation polite and nonconfrontational.
  • Be courteous to your dealer.

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