How to play poker step-by-step
We’ll now take you through a more detailed version of how to play poker for beginners, again based on a game of Texas Hold ‘Em. The following steps can be applied to most poker variants, but make sure you always check for any variant-specific rules before you start playing.
STEP 1
Place your bets
Before the cards are dealt, players will place their bets. These can include ante bets, where all players put in an equal amount of money, and blinds, where the player immediately to the left of the dealer places a small bet and the player to the left of them places a larger one.
Players then receive two hole (face down) cards each. At this point, players must decide if they’re going to check (decline the opportunity to start the betting), bet/call any bets (match another player’s bet), or fold if they have a weak hand. Each time a player decides to check, the opportunity to bet or check is passed on clockwise to the next player. Once a player makes the first bet, all remaining players must call, to match that amount.
STEP 2
The community cards
Once betting has concluded, the flop (three face up cards) is dealt. Players can now get a better idea of their hand strength, and another round of betting takes place
STEP 3
Time for the turn
Next, the turn (a fourth face up card) is dealt and can be used by players to build a better hand. Bear in mind that a hand consists of only five cards. This then is followed by another round of betting.
STEP 4
Hands Are Finalised
The river (a fifth face up card) is dealt, and players who are still in can see the actual strength of their hand. Before the showdown, it’s time for one final round of betting
STEP 5
The Winner is revealed
Now it’s time for the showdown, when players reveal their poker hands to see who has won the pot. A kicker, the highest card, may be used to break ties.
Poker hands from highest to lowest
1. Royal flush
A, K, Q, J, 10, all the same suit.
2. Straight flush
Five cards in a sequence, all in the same suit.
3. Four of a kind
All four cards of the same rank.
4. Full house
Three of a kind with a pair.
5. Flush
Any five cards of the same suit, but not in a sequence.
6. Straight
Five cards in a sequence, but not of the same suit.
7. Three of a kind
Three cards of the same rank.
8. Two pair
Two different pairs.
9. Pair
Two cards of the same rank.
10. High Card
When you haven’t made any of the hands above, the highest card plays.
In the example below, the jack plays as the highest card.
What makes a good starting poker hand?
Understanding hand strengths is crucial for improving as a poker player. Playing with cards that have poor odds is seldom wise. Persisting in the round with a weak hand usually results in depleting your bankroll as you attempt to form a decent hand.
