Texas Holdem Poker Game Rules

Minimum Buy-in

Before sitting down at a Texas Holdem poker game, players must buy-in at a minimum of 10 times the small bet. For example, in a $2/$4 game the minimum buy-in is $20.

Maximum Buy-in

The maximum buy-in for limit games is $10,000, for pot limit and no limit games the maximum buy-in amounts are set by each individual table ranging from $5 to $2,500.

The Dealer Puck identifies which player is acting as the dealer for the current hand. Game play starts with the 1st player to the left of the dealer.

When starting a new game, a player is chosen to be the first dealer. This is done by dealing each player a single card starting with seat 1. The player with the highest card starts as the dealer. In the case of a tie, card suit takes precedence ♠♥♦♣ (in order).

The dealer puck rotates around the table player to player in a clockwise fashion. If a player sits down in one of the blind seats while a hand is in progress that player will not be dealt in until the dealer button has passed them. This player will not be allowed to act as the dealer until they have been dealt in at least 1 hand.

Blinds are used to increase interest in each pot. Blinds count toward the players normal bets.

Small Blind

The 1st player to the left of the dealer has the small blind and must post ½ the small bet for the table. For example, in a $2/$4 game the small blind would be $1.

Big Blind

The 2nd player to the left of the dealer has the big blind and must post a full small bet for the table. For example, in a $2/$4 game the big blind would be $2.

Missed Blind

Players with a missed blind button may not play without posting both the small and big blinds at once. The small blind portion is considered 'Dead Money' and does not count toward the players bet. Players may wait for the big blind to come to them and post the blinds normally.

1. The player acting as dealer is given a Dealer Puck.
2. Small and Big Blinds are posted.
3. 2 cards are dealt to each player one at a time starting with the player in the small blind.
4. Play starts with the 1st player to the left of the big blind.

5. Round 1 of betting...

   Players in the blinds are last to act pre-flop, otherwise play starts with the 1st player to the left of the dealer.

6. The Flop: Dealer burns 1 card and turns 3 community cards face up known as 'flop cards'.
7. Round 2 of betting...
8. The Turn: Dealer burns 1 card and turns 1 community card face up known as the 'turn card'.
9. Round 3 of betting...
10. The River: Dealer burns 1 card and turns 1 community card face up known as the 'river card'.
11. Round 4 of betting...

12. Showdown: All remaining players show their cards starting with the 1st player to the left of the dealer.

    The player(s) with the highest Texas Holdem poker hand, win the pot.

    Ties split the pot.