Poker

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In holdem, the first step is to get the game started, and for this the competitors put out a specific amount of money. ‘Posting the blinds’ is the frequently used term for this play. In the following step, the croupier shuffles the deck of cards and deals out 2 cards face down to each player. A regular deck of fifty two cards is used. After the deal, there is the first sequence of wagering. This round is typically referred to as a "pre-flop".

Following the first betting sequence, the top card of the deck is tossed aside. This thrown away card is known as the "burn card", and this is performed to make sure that there is absolutely no cheating. The next 3 cards are then revealed face up on the table. These cards are ‘the flop’. Now comes a 2nd round of betting, after that the croupier burns another card and flips one more card onto the table. Following this, competitors can use the 6th card to form a 5card poker hand.

A further round of betting happens, and in a number of styles of games, here is where the bet size doubles. There is another round of throwing away a card, and a closing deal of a card face-up on the poker table. This is called the "river". Players can now use any of the 5 cards on the table, and/or the 2 cards in their hand, to form a 5card poker hand.

To wrap it up there is another round of betting. Then, all the players left start to display their hands. This is called the "showdown". Obviously, the competitor who has the greatest hand is the winner. When gamblers have even hands a sharing of the pot is used.

Texas Holdem is a very easy game to pickup, but to acquire expertise it requires a ton of practice.