Texas Hold'em is ruled by the same flush. Texas Hold'em Rules

There are 52 cards in a standard poker deck. The strength of poker cards increases from the lowest 2 (deuce) to A (ace). The suits are equivalent to each other. That is, 6♣ is equal in strength to 6♦.
A poker hand consists of 5 (five) cards. Below are the categories of combinations from the strongest to the weakest. Each strong combination beats all combinations below. For example, four of a kind beats any flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair or lower.

Royal Flush: 10 J Q K A

Five cards in sequence from ten to ace of the same suit. The strongest hand in poker. It is very rare and absolute in strength. Players usually refer to him simply as "Royal".

Straight Flush: 5♠ 6♠ 7♠ 8♠ 9♠

A combination of five consecutive cards of the same suit. The lowest straight flush starts from an ace (A♠ 2♠ 3♠ 4♠ 5♠ suited). The eldest, in fact, is the Royal Flush.

Kare (Four of a kind): 3♦ 3♦ 3♦ 3♦

Four cards of the same rank. The fifth card is the kicker. This combination is sometimes called "quads", "carriage". The seniority of the four of a kind determines the value of the cards. For example, 4-4-4-4-A beats 3-3-3-3-A. There are situations when there are four common cards on the table - a ready-made four of a kind. In this case, the winner is determined by the kicker (the player with the highest kicker wins).

Full House: 6♣ 6 9♠ 9 9♦

Three and a couple. And in the people it’s just “Ful”. Consists of three cards of the same rank plus two cards of the same rank. For example 6-6-6-T-T. If several players have a full house, then the seniority of the combination is determined by the triple (thrips). For example, 9-9-9-2-2 beats 8-8-8-A-A. If the triple is the same, then the seniority is determined by the remaining pair. For example, T-T-T-10-10 beats T-T-T-3-3.

Flash (Flush): 3 5 A K 10

Five cards of the same suit. When determining the seniority of a flush from several players, the highest value card in the flush combination is taken. It is erroneously called by many a flash, but this definition has already taken root among players so much that it is acceptable to use it.

Street (Straight): 4♦ 5 6♣ 7♣ 8♠

Five cards of different suits in sequence. The word itself is translated as "direct, consistent." The youngest street is the so-called " wheel» A-2-3-4-5, the highest is a straight from ten to ace. Note that 2-A-K-Q-J is not a straight.

Set: 4♦ 4♠ 4

Three cards of the same rank plus two unequal cards. Also referred to as a trio. The seniority of a trio is determined by its merit. 5-5-5-3-2 beats 4-4-4-K-5. In the case when several players have the same value of three, the winner is determined by the remaining two cards. For example 4-4-4-Q-9 beats 4-4-4-Q-8
Note: it is customary to call a set a three of a kind made up with the participation of both pocket cards, while a three of a kind assembled using one hole card is called a trip (triplet)

Two pairs (Two Pairs): 5 5♠ A♠ A

Two pairs of cards of the same rank and one random card. In the people - "doper". For example A-A-4-4-9 or 2-2-3-3-T. When determining the seniority of two pairs, the combination with the highest pair is the winner, regardless of the value of the second pair. For example, J-J-2-2-4 beats T-T-9-9-8 because a pair of jacks beats a pair of tens. If the top pairs are equal, then the bottom pairs are taken into account. 8-8-6-6-3 beats 8-8-5-5-K. And finally, if both pairs in combinations are equal, then the highest is the one with the stronger fifth card - the kicker. So, J-J-6-6-8 beats J-J-6-6-4

Pair (Pair): 3♦ 3

A combination with two cards of the same rank plus three unequal cards. When comparing the strength of pairs, they look at the merits of the cards that make up the pair. 6-6-4-3-2 beats 5-5-A-K-Q. If the pairs are the same, they compare by kicker. If the highest kicker is the same, then look at the second kicker and so on. J-J-A-9-3 beats J-J-A-8-7

High Card: A♦

Five cards that do not form any of the combinations listed above. This combination is often called the High Card. All cards in such a hand are of different denominations, not consecutive and not suited. The seniority of such a combination among similar ones is determined by the highest card. If the highest cards are the same, the next in seniority are taken, and so on. For example, A-J-9-5-3 beats A-T-9-6-4 because the jack beats the ten.

At least two players are required to start the game. Each player must have the minimum amount required to enter the game (buy-in), the cards are distributed by the dealer. The deck consists of 52 cards. Before the distribution, the dealer reminds the participants of the game to make mandatory bets - blinds. The obligation to bet falls to the first two players to the left of the dealer and passes to the next players in the circle after each deal. The size of the blinds is negotiated in advance by the players.

During the distribution, each participant receives two cards in his hand. The player must look at his cards and make a decision: play on or refuse (discard cards). Further participation is confirmed by a bet equal to the amount of the small blind. When all players have confirmed their participation in the distribution by placing a bet, the dealer lays out three cards (flop) in the center of the table. After that, he invites the players to make a decision, make a bet - “bet”, or miss the move - “check”. The first word belongs to the player sitting in the small blind. Further clockwise.

After the players have decided whether to bet or check, the dealer adds another card to the flop (the "turn"). Participants decide whether to raise the pot or not. And in conclusion, the dealer puts the last, fifth card (“river”). The bank is taken by the player whose combination of cards will be the highest.

How to understand that a combination in poker has won

The coincidence of a pocket card with the cards lying on the board (board), or the presence of identical cards in the player's hand, constitutes a winning combination. There are several combinations (in ascending order):

1. Pair - a combination of two cards of the same value.

2. Two pairs– for example, two 8s and two 10s.

3. Set - three identical cards.

4. Straight - the presence of five cards in ascending order (for example, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, regardless of suit)

5. Flush - if there are five cards of the same suit.

6. Full house– Set plus any pair.

7. Four of a kind - a set of four cards.

8. straight flush– example: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 of the same suit.

9. Royal flush- ten, jack, queen, king, ace of the same suit.

Learning how to play Texas Poker is not that difficult, the game mechanics are quite simple, and besides, this is the easiest and most popular option. The main goal of the game is to collect a strong combination of cards and take the pot.. It is more difficult for beginners to learn the nuances, terms, combinations, game progress, trading circles. A lot of questions often arise: how is the winning formed, who makes the first move, how many combinations and which one is older, how to resolve disputes, what are the flop, turn and river? And other difficulties. In fact, it will be difficult only at first, with each new hand the user learns the rules of Texas Hold'em more and more, learns to do all the actions “on the machine”.

Each hand in poker usually lasts no more than five minutes, during which time the players determine the winner and manage to make many moves. Inside one hand (as the distribution is called differently), there are the following elements:

  • collection of winning combinations;
  • placing initial bids;
  • trading circles and bank formation;
  • determination of the winner.

These are the highlights of one round, within a game session there can be several hundred or even thousands of hands. Let's analyze these rules of Texas Poker in more detail.

Hold'em combinations

The most important part, it is around the collection of combinations that the whole game is built, in poker Hold'em the rules state that the one who can collect the strongest combination, takes the whole bank. The combinations are listed below in ascending order of precedence.

  1. senior card. In another way, a kicker. Five cards in random order, not related to each other in any way. If all participants do not have any combination, then the leader is determined by the highest card.
  2. Pair. First combination. Consists of 2 cards linked to each other by the same denomination. Since any combination must consist of five elements, three more act as kickers, they are needed to determine the winner in disputable situations.
  3. Two pairs. Two pairs of cards with the same denomination. In Texas Hold'em poker, the rules state that the seniority of the combination is taken into account from the highest par value Pair. For example, two kings and two tens will beat two queens and two jacks.
  4. Set. Three cards that have the same value. Two kickers complete the combination.
  5. Straight. Opens combinations in which there is no kicker. Five cards in ascending order of denomination. All suits must be different (if they are the same, this is a different, stronger combination). Combination allowed ace,2,3,4,5.
  6. Flash. Five cards of the same suit of any value. Seniority is determined by the face value of the highest card in hand. Suits in poker are all equivalent.
  7. Full house. The combination is assembled from a Set and a Pair, that is, three cards of the same value and two more. The rules of Texas Hold'em state that the hand with the higher value of the Set is higher.
  8. Kare. Four cards that have the same rank. There is also one kicker here.
  9. Straight Flush. Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
  10. Royal Flush. Royal set. Five cards from 10 to Ace of the same suit. Drops out extremely rarely.

Before learning the rules of poker in depth Texas Hold'em, you need to remember the combinations by heart. Without this, it is undesirable to sit down at the table, especially in offline mode. When playing via the Internet, it is better to print the combinations and keep them with you, at least for the first time.

Starting bets and start of the game

After learning the combinations, you can sit down at the table and play the first few rounds. Practice will allow you to quickly and better remember the rules of the Texas poker game, how the draw goes, how much the winner is entitled to, who becomes the leader and other components.

It is allowed to sit at the gaming table from two to as many people as you like, the main thing is that everyone needs two pocket cards and five common ones on the field. The rooms accept formats of 2.5 and 9 participants.

In Texas Hold'em, the rules of the game require that two opponents bet small and big blinds. These are mandatory bets designed to stir up the interest of the participants, as well as a guarantee that the winner in any case will receive at least the minimum amount.

The big blind is always equal to the minimum possible bet of the table, the minimum is half of it.

All players must take turns posting the big and small blinds. The move in each round is passed in a circle, according to the clockwise movement, so as not to confuse the order, there is a button chip on the table - a special element with a pointer. Hold'em poker rules state that in the very first hand, the starting bets are made by two players sitting to the left of the croupier.

Then the direct distribution of cards and betting circles begins, further Hold'em rules on betting circles and bank formation will be considered in the next chapter.

Trading circles and bank formation

The first bets are made, now the croupier starts the distribution. According to the rules of the game of Hold'em, cards are dealt clockwise, starting with the player sitting on the left hand from the dealer. Everyone receives two cards in their hands, they are not shown to opponents, after looking at them, the participants decide on their further moves.

The player who made the small blind is the first to say his word, several actions are available to him:

  • Call. In the rules of Texas Hold'em is the designation Col. That is, the player calls the bet to the big blind.
  • Reset. Designation fold. Throw cards and exit the current hand, losing the small blind.
  • Boost. Designation Raise. The player can increase the big blind by the amount stipulated by the table limit.
  • All in. Designation All-in. Put all your chips on the line. Allowed only in the no-limit version of the game.

The last move belongs to the big blind, he is allowed one more action - Check, that is, to miss without betting anything in the pot, but on the condition that no one made a Raise.

First round - flop. The croupier puts three cards on the table, they are considered common, they can be seen by all participants and used to make combinations. In Texas poker, the rules of the game for dummies provide that a new round of betting begins, the possible actions of the players are described above.

Second round - turn. The fourth card is laid out on the table. A new round of betting begins, already at this round, most of the opponents throw out their cards and leave the game.

Third round - river. The number of community cards reaches five, the participants open the final round of betting. In Texas poker, the rules stipulate that at this stage the final pot is formed, which will go to the winner.

Determination of the winner and disputes

If there are several opponents left in the game, they produce showdown - opening cards and comparing the collected combinations. Whoever has the strongest combination will take all the winnings for himself. This is where the ambiguous moments arise, in which beginners get confused, in the rules of Texas Hold'em poker, disputes are resolved quite simply.

  1. Two or more poker players turned out to have the same combination in terms of strength. In this case, the rank of the cards that make up the combination is taken into account. For example, a Flush with a king will beat a Flush with a ten. A pair of nines will be stronger than a pair of threes, and so on. If the set base is the same, kickers will count.
  2. The combination of cards turned out to be completely the same for two or more opponents, Texas Holdem rules interpret this situation in favor of all participants. In this case, all applicants are declared winners, and the bank goes to them in equal parts.
  3. In Texas Holdem poker, the rules allow for a situation where all five community cards on the table, if they form any combination, are counted by all players. In this case the bank is divided equally.
  4. If one of the participants goes all-in, and the other cannot call him, then side pots are created. The point is that there will be several pots at stake. For the number of chips that the player could not equalize, he cannot claim. They go to the participant who has collected the second most powerful combination. It will not work to consider all the subtleties of these Hold'em rules; it is easier to understand them directly during the game.

These are the main controversial points that cause difficulties for beginners. The best way to understand all the nuances - constantly practice at the gaming table, even if it is an ordinary simulator of interest.

Limits in Hold'em Poker

The last aspect to consider in the rules of Texas Hold'em poker for beginners is - limits. Each table has certain restrictions regarding the betting of players in the betting circles, in total there are three draw options.

  • Unlimited. This means that each player, regardless of the current round, bank and other indicators, has the right to put any amount on the line. It is allowed to go for broke at any stage, the other participants are obliged to support this move, or refuse to fight. Today it is the most popular version of the game.
  • Limit. In Limit Hold'em, the rules limit the size of bets within a strictly allotted range. This means that the player cannot go beyond the established limits. For example, a $10/$20 table means that the minimum bet is $10 and the maximum bet is $20. There is no talk of any all-in here. The rarest variant of the game.
  • Pot limit. The size of bets here depends solely on the bank, how many chips are in it at the current moment of the betting round, and how much the player is allowed to bet. For example, if there is $100 in the bank, then the participant can put up the same amount. All-in is not allowed. The second most popular version of the game.

As you can see, the rules of Texas Hold'em poker are not as complicated as it seems at first glance. The main thing is to keep practicing. And at first, carry a cheat sheet with you so as not to confuse anything.

Poker hands are the first thing to learn. Poor knowledge of this issue can cost you money, be careful.

After a general familiarization with the rules, be sure to proceed with an enhanced study of the winning poker combinations of Texas Hold'em, Omaha or other varieties of the game.

Your knowledge will help you in the future to correctly and adequately respond to the situation at the poker table and will definitely save your bankroll from significant losses.

Well, since there are only 10 combinations of cards in Texas Hold'em poker, it will be very easy for you to remember them. Moreover, only 5-7 of them are found most often, the weakest.

Strong hands in poker are rare and you don't see them very often. But they allow their owners to win big pots.

Naturally, before starting to study poker combinations in pictures, you should know the general hierarchy of cards: 2 is the smallest card, ace is the highest. This is the foundation of the basics that every new poker player must remember.

Royal flush (Royal flush)

The probability of its loss is the smallest - about 0.0002%.

It consists of cards that are arranged in ascending (descending) order of seniority and have the same suit: from 10 to ace.

This is the strongest possible hand in poker. Unfortunately, professional poker players who play poker regularly may only see a royal flush once every year or two. But you understand what size the pot will be able to pick up by collecting such a combination!

Straight flush

The probability of getting it is about 0.0015%.

It consists of any, but arranged sequentially in order of seniority, cards that also have the same suit.

The strength of this combination is determined by the highest card, although the presence of a straight flush in two players is unlikely.

As you now understand, a royal flush is a kind of straight flush, the oldest one. But it is placed in a separate category, apparently, to make it more interesting to play.

Kare (Four of a kind)

The probability of getting this poker hand is about 0.024%.

It consists of four cards of the same value. The fifth card is called the kicker. It is he who determines the winner in disputable situations when poker combinations of the same seniority are collected.

For example, if there are four nines on the table, and two players have a king and an ace, respectively, then the player with the ace will be the winner.

Full House

The probability of its collection is about 0.14%.

Full House is a pretty strong combo, so you won't see it often either.

A full house consists of 3 cards of the same rank and 2 more cards of another rank. For example, 9-9-9-7-7.

If two or more players gather at the table, then the seniority and the winner are determined by the first three cards, and then by the second pair.

Flush

The probability of getting it is about 0.2%.

It consists of any cards that have the same suit. With multiple flushes, the one with the highest card is determined to be the highest. With the same senior cards, the bank will be divided between such participants.

Street (Straight)

Although it would be correct to say "straight".

The probability of its loss is about 0.39%.

It consists of any five cards of any suit, which are placed consecutively. For example, 2-3-4-5-6.

By analogy with general rules determining seniority - if there are several participants with different straights, then the one who has high card above.

With one rank of high cards in the street, there will be several winners - they will divide the pot among themselves.

An ace in combination A-2-3-4-5 counts as the low card. This combination of cards is called a wheel.

Three of a kind

The probability of getting it is 2.1%. This is already quite common, given that 80% of the hands of professional poker players fold without entering the fight for the pot, even preflop.

A three of a kind consists of any 3 cards of the same value. For example, A-A-A.

There are some differences in the formation of this combination: depending on the number of pocket cards participating in it.

If there are two of your cards, then you have collected a set. This is a powerful hidden combination that will allow you to win huge pots with skillful use.

When the three of a kind consists of one of your pocket cards, the kicker begins to win back of paramount importance - the higher it is, the better. Ideally, this is an ace, of course, but a king or a queen is also excellent. As a rule, they are enough for a convincing victory.High card

Very often this combination (more precisely, its absence) is called a kicker.

The probability of such an outcome is 50.12%.

As you already understood, this means that you have not collected any of the above combinations - you have nothing.

With several such participants, the one who has the highest highest card, for example, an ace, king or queen, wins.

A strong hand combination is not a guarantee of winning a big pot. To draw them correctly, you need experience and even a little bit of intuition and luck.

Study the meaning of cards in poker, read literature, watch educational videos and then very soon your average pot and bankroll will grow.

No-limit Texas Holdem (Texas hold "em) is the most popular type of poker. In order to start playing Texas Holdem, you need to learn simple rules. As in other types of poker, the game starts with sitting at the table. The number of players at it can be different, from two to ten participants, and you can choose any free seat.In poker, the positions of the players at the table move clockwise.To avoid confusion, a special marker is used, called " Button" or " Dealer" is the nominal position in both online poker and in the casino, it is used to determine the positions of the players at the table and passes each hand to the next player in a clockwise direction.

Actions at the table

All poker hands begin with mandatory bets. Before the cards are dealt, the two players to the left of the button must post the small and big blinds. The small blind is half the size of the big blind. These stakes are needed so that the participants in the distribution have something to fight for. If we are talking about cash games, then the size of the blinds is determined by the selected limit, which is played at this table. Traditionally, the table limit is referred to as 100 big blinds, i.e. at NL10 ($10 No Limit) the blinds will be 5s and 10s. Thanks to mandatory rates, there is always money in the bank.

Each player then receives two cards face down, from which point the game begins. In Hold'em, as in most other types of poker, a player can do several different things:

CHECK- if there are no bets in the current round, the player can check. In this case, the turn passes to the next active player, sitting to the left. Checking does not mean giving up the fight for the pot, it is only giving up the opportunity to bet in the current round.

FOLD- refusal to continue the fight for the pot in response to a bet (bet) or raise from an opponent. In this case, the player's cards are out of the game. The player who folded can no longer bet and participate in the current hand.

BET– if there are no bets in the current round, the player can make a bet (bet). In this case, he sets the price for the continuation of the game. Players behind him can fold (fold), call (call), or raise (raise). The minimum bet in the game is equal to the big blind.

CALL- if a bet was made in the current round, the player can accept it by making a call and adding the same number of chips to the pot, equal to the bet or raise of the last player.

RAIS- if a bet is made in the current betting round, the player can raise it by making a raise. To do this, he must make a bet that exceeds the bet of the last player. To qualify for the pot, all following players must call or raise (reraise) that raise. Otherwise, all they have to do is fold their cards (i.e. fold). In no-limit hold'em, the size and number of raises are unlimited.

Trade Circles (Streets)

All these actions are taken by Hold'em players within each of the four rounds of betting, or, as they are also called, the four "streets":

  • Preflop
  • Flop
  • Turn
  • river

In each round, the betting continues until the person seated to the right of the last player to bet or raise. When the queue returns to him, the next round begins or the hand ends if all players before him choose to fold.

Preflop

After the players have received their cards, each of them can give up the fight by folding, continue the game by making a call of one big blind or a raise of at least two big blinds. The player to the left of the big blind speaks first. The word then passes to the next player in clockwise order. If no raises were made preflop, the big blind acts last. If one of the players makes a raise, then the game will develop according to the scenario described above until all players have their say.

At the end of the betting round, all the bets made by the players are collected in one common pot, for which the struggle will continue on the next street.

Flop

This round of betting begins at the end of the preflop. Three community cards are laid out on the table, which is called the flop. These cards can be used to make your own combination, but they cannot be taken into your hand or exchange your cards for flop cards - they are available to all players who continue to fight in the hand.

Flop betting starts with the first active player clockwise from the button. The last action on the flop (as opposed to preflop) is the button. Players have the same actions as pre-flop, however, if no one has bet before, the player can check, passing the move to the next player and not putting anything into the pot.

After all players have said their word, all bets made are added to the current pot.

Turn

After the end of the betting on the flop, the fourth community card is dealt - the turn, which is also used by the players to make their combinations. There is another round of betting, similar to the flop. It starts with the first active player clockwise from the button.

river

After the end of the betting on the turn, the fifth and last card is laid out on the table - the river. The betting round again starts with the first player found clockwise from the button, and the same betting rules as on the flop and turn apply.

All the money invested by the players in the bank is summed up with the current bank, and the game goes to the final stage.

Showdown

Those players who have equalized all bets on the previous streets take part in the last round of the game - the showdown. This is where it is determined who wins the pot. All players show their combinations.

The best five-card hand that can be made from all the cards available to the player wins. In other words, to make your combination, you can use all five community cards, or one of your cards and four community cards, or two hole cards and three table cards.

Remember: the winning combination is always determined by five cards

You can get acquainted with all poker combinations on this page.

If two players have the same combinations on four cards, the so-called kicker comes into play - this is the oldest unpaired card. For example, if the players have A K and A Q on the table A 6 2 8 7 , then A A K 8 7 , which is higher than the opponent's five-card queen hand (A A Q 8 7), wins.

If the combinations and kickers are completely the same, then the pot is divided equally between the players. An example of such a situation would be the A K T T 2 board, when two players show A J and A 9 respectively - in this case their total combination is two pair on aces and tens with the king as the kicker.