Texas holdem poker has become the poker game in 90% of Canadian casinos. It is fun because it is easy to understand, and even poor players can often get lucky enough to have a winning session. The rules are fairly straight forward. Texas holdem is a high only game, with the best high hand winning the pot.

Deal:
The dealer is indicated by a dealer button, sometimes known as a puck. There are two forced bets, the small blind directly the the left of the dealer button, and the big blind, left of the small blind. The dealer starts dealing with the small blind, and moves clockwise around the table. Every player receives two cards, both face down. After cards are dealt, the player to the left of the big blind starts the action. They can either call, (match the big blind) or raise (double the big blind's forced bet). The play continues around the table until all players have either folded or called all bets and raises. Typically, there is a maximum of four raises per round of betting.

The flop:
The dealer then deals 3 cards face up on the table. These cards are used by everyone at the table in combination with their two hidden cards. Betting starts to the left of the dealer button.

The turn:
The dealer then burns a card, and places a fourth card beside the flop. Betting starts to the left of the dealer button.

The river:
The dealer burns a card, and places a fifth and final card beside the flop and turn cards. Betting starts to the left of the dealer button. Once all bets are finished, all remaining players show their hands, and the best hand wins.

The best five-card high poker hand wins the pot.

With community cards, it is not uncommon for pots to be split among more then one player.

More Texas holdem poker strategy:

Don't be afraid to bet. The biggest mistake new players make is calling too much and betting too little. Remember that in this game, you win if your opponents all fold. You simply can't win this way if you never bet. If your hand is good, strongly consider betting.

Save the 'tricky' plays for advanced players. Slow playing and trapping can be useful tools when playing against good players, but when playing at lower limits, straight forward aggressive play takes down the money. Remember that many players have a 'calling reflex', meaning that they won't bet their hand, but will call a bet. Betting and raising your strong hands is the best way to play. Remember, your goal is to get the most money in the pot with the best hand (by betting), and get the least in the pot with the worst hand (by checking and/or folding).

Texas Holdem Poker now, Click Here for the best poker rooms to play for free online.