What beginners often struggle with first in poker is “the complexity of rules.” However, in reality, once you learn the basic flow, the barrier becomes much lower. This article carefully explains Texas Hold’em rules from the basics. We comprehensively cover not only card hands, action meanings, and game flow, but also important points and practice methods, so you’ll be ready for real play after reading this.
1. Poker Basics: Card Hands and Their Strength
| Hand | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Straight Flush | The ultimate hand | 10-J-Q-K-A in the same suit |
| Straight Flush | 5 consecutive cards in same suit | Example: 5-6-7-8-9♠ |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of same rank | Example: 7-7-7-7-x |
| Full House | Three of a kind + pair | Example: K-K-K-3-3 |
| Flush | Five cards of same suit | Example: ♣A-♣3-♣7-♣J-♣Q |
| Straight | Five consecutive ranks | Example: 4-5-6-7-8 |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of same rank | Example: 9-9-9-x-y |
| Two Pair | Two different pairs | Example: Q-Q-5-5-x |
| One Pair | Two cards of same rank | Example: J-J-x-y-z |
| High Card | Highest single card | No pair. Example: A-K-9-4-2 |
★ Once you understand the hierarchy, you can instantly judge which hand is stronger.
2. Basic Actions and Their Meanings
- Check: Expressing intention to “continue” when no one has bet
- Bet: Making the first chip wager
- Call: Participating with the same amount as the previous player
- Raise: Adding more chips to play aggressively
- Fold: Discarding your hand and dropping out
- All-in: Betting all your remaining chips
3. Four-Step Game Flow
Texas Hold’em is a game where each player receives 2 “hole cards” and combines them with up to 5 “community cards” revealed on the board to make the best hand. The game progresses through these four stages:
① Pre-Flop
At the start of the game, all players are dealt 2 face-down “hole cards.” Then, action begins with players following the Small Blind (SB) and Big Blind (BB) who have paid the forced bets (blinds).
At this stage, the following actions are possible:
- Fold: Discard your hand and drop out
- Call: Pay the same amount as BB to participate
- Raise: Bet more than BB to participate
The strategic key is maintaining your “hand range (the range of hands you should play with).” Beginners should basically only participate with strong hands (pairs, high suited cards, etc.).
② Flop
Next, the dealer opens 3 community cards in the center. This is the “flop.” From here, you combine these with your hole cards to make hands.
Action starts from the SB or the next remaining player to the left. If someone raised in the previous round, action begins with the next player after them.
During the flop, “draws (situations where you might complete a hand)” become possible, so you need to carefully assess bet sizes and opponents’ behavior.
③ Turn
Next, the 4th community card “turn” is revealed. This single card often completes or destroys hands, making it a crucial turning point in the game.
Strategy at this point centers on:
- Flush/Straight completion?: Checking if you or opponents have possibilities
- Pot management: Not unnecessarily increasing chips, considering folding
More players start mixing in bluffs, so pay attention to opponents’ movements and betting timing.
④ River
The final 5th community card “river” is revealed, completing all the cards. You make your best 5-card hand from your 2 hole cards + 5 community cards.
This round is also the last chance to make opponents “fold,” requiring decisions between “betting confidently when you’re sure you’ll win” or “checking to see what happens.”
For beginners, rather than forcing confrontations, it’s important to calmly assess hand strength and pot size when making decisions.
★ Final Step: Showdown
If multiple players remain after the river, a showdown occurs. Remaining players reveal their hole cards and determine the winner based on hand strength.
4. Importance of Position
Small Blind (SB) to the right of the Dealer Button (BTN), Big Blind (BB) to its right. BTN is the most advantageous position, acting last. There are also positions called UTG and middle positions, and strategy changes significantly based on action order.
5. Important Points for Beginners
- Have courage to fold – Making the decision to fold without forcing plays leads to wins
- Fair blind management – Keep chips organized and clearly visible
- Don’t give excessive advice to others – Maintain proper etiquette
- Watch for connection issues online – Risk of automatic folding
6. Practice Methods: Learn While Having Fun
- Mini-games with friends using cards and snacks
- Experience the flow through beginner-friendly apps and simple PC games
- Watch videos to understand the flow before trying real play
- Write down hands and actions for repetitive practice
Summary
This article comprehensively covered everything from card hands to actions, game flow illustrations, important points, and practice methods. The shortcut to improvement is first deepening your understanding, then gaining experience through “real play” at fair beginner tables. Once you’re comfortable, try challenging yourself with bluffs and psychological warfare.
FAQ
Q. Which hands should I learn first?
→ Start with “pair,” “straight,” and “flush” – these three are easy to form in practice and easy to remember.
Q. When should I use all-in?
→ Only when your hand is overwhelmingly strong or when you want to make opponents fold. Using it frequently makes you predictable.
Q. How should I utilize position?
→ At BTN, make decisions after observing opponents’ moves; in early positions, play safely with basic strategy.
Q. What apps do you recommend for practice?
→ Use Japanese-supported practice apps or free PC sites to repeatedly confirm the actual game flow.
