It can be easy to lump all of poker into the same category. But there are many ways to play the game outside of the standard version everyone knows. These deviations are an attempt to make the game more challenging or to help raise the stakes. At the end of the day, they all have similar methods but specific things about each game give it character. One of those versions is called Texas Hold ’em Poker. Texas Hold’em differs from the original version of poker, so it’s essential to understand how to play real money Texas Hold’em online before you actually jump into a game.
Below we will give you an understanding of what is special about Texas Hold ’em Poker and hopefully give you a chance to win the next time you play poker.
A brief history of Texas Hold ’em?
Currently, this version of poker is the most popular. If you walk into a casino or play online, there is a good chance you will see most people playing this game. This abundance was not always the case; for most of the 20th century, it was a low-level game challenging to find outside of Texas. But with the increased exposure it received at the beginning of the 2000s, it quickly began to take over once it was understood to be a relatively simple game to play and was seen as a major part of the poker boom over the past 20 years.
Although there is still much debate about the game’s origins, the Texas Legislature took it upon themselves to claim Robstown, Texas, was the birthplace.
How do you play?
As mentioned in the intro, all versions of poker have some commonplace, but they are different because they differ from the original game. So here is how to play Texas Hold ’em.
- Each player receives two cards at the beginning (Hold cards)
- Throughout several betting rounds, five more cards are placed face-up onto the table (Community cards). Each player can then choose from these cards and build a five-card hand.
Side note: as mentioned, over several betting rounds, these community cards get placed on the table, each with its name. The first three are called “The Flop,” the fourth card is “The Turn,” and the fifth is called “The River.”
The objective is to construct the best hand utilizing both the hold and community cards. However, they do not always have to get used in unison. A player can use two hold cards and three community cards, one hold card and four community cards, or no hold cards. As long as you are holding the best cards at the end of the day, you can win.
Sometimes it may not even be necessary to show your cards, as the increased betting could cause other plays to pull out. Leaving you in a position to win without having to expose what cards you had. Conversely, if two or more players are still in the game, it comes down to who has the better five-card combination.
If you prefer a visual representation of how the game plays out, there are also numerous instruction videos like this one to help you understand the rules.
Why is the game so popular?
As mentioned in a previous section, the game of Texas Hold ’em is pretty straightforward compared to other games and is simply a fun game to play. At the end of the day, have the best five-card combination, which is the same objective for regular poker, but there is a different way of getting to those five cards. In traditional poker, you get five cards initially; in Texas Hold ’em, you must construct them.
Some of the same strategies can work in regular poker and Texas Hold ’em. For example, strategies like bluffing still play as you want other players to give up, feeling like they have no chance of winning.
Research has suggested that Texas Hold’em is played by over 100m players worldwide as is responsible for 70% of the gameplay on online casinos, so it puts into context just how dominant it actually is.
It’s a fun game you can find anywhere and will surely leave you on your toes. This tense environment, mixed with the game’s simplicity, is why it has become popular. For many reasons, some players may not do well in regular poker, but switching to Texas Hold ’em style could answer their issues.
