Poker 101

Instructions Step 1: Never reveal your hand Never reveal your cards, not even after you’ve folded. If you give away your cards on a good hand, it’ll ruin your chances of winning. Plus, if other players know your cards, it can give them a better idea of what everyone else is holding. TIP: Some casinos …

Instructions Step 1: Achieve winning hand Weigh your chances of achieving each of the 9 possible winning hands and be on the lookout for the cards you’ll need to do so. The winning hands are ranked according to the probability of achieving them, so use the rankings as a general guide—then assess your particular situation. …

Instructions Step 1: Choose dealer Choose a dealer for the first hand and denote that person with the dealer button, placed on the table. Step 2: Shuffle & cut The dealer shuffles and cuts the deck of cards. Step 3: Blinds place bets The player to the left of the dealer is given the “small …

Instructions Step 1: Choose dealer Choose a dealer for the first hand and denote that person with the dealer button, placed on the table. Step 2: Shuffle & cut The dealer shuffles and cuts the deck of cards. Step 3: Blinds place bets The player to the left of the dealer is given the “small …

Instructions Step 1: Assess hand Royal Flush (10,J,Q,K,Ace–same suit), Straight Flush (5 cards–in sequence, same suit), Four of a Kind (4 cards–same face value), Full House (3 of a kind with a pair), Flush (5 in same suit), Straight (5 cards–in sequence, different suits), 3 of a Kind (3 cards–same face value, different suits), Two …

Instructions Step 1: Know basic rules Poker involves rounds of betting into a shared fund, or “pot,” which accumulates in the middle of the table. Each round is followed by receiving or exchanging cards that depends on the type of poker you’re playing. Betting begins with either the dealer or the player to the dealer’s …

Instructions Step 1: Choose dealer Choose a dealer. One way to do this is to deal cards around the table face-up. The first player to get an Ace is the dealer. Step 2: Shuffle & cut The dealer shuffles and cuts the deck of cards. Step 3: Ante up Each player “antes up” by placing …

Instructions Step 1: Choose dealer Choose a dealer, who shuffles and cuts the deck of cards, then deals seven cards face-down to each player. Step 2: Start betting The player to the dealer’s left starts a round of betting. Step 3: Pass 3 cards Every player chooses three cards to pass to the player on …

Instructions Step 1: Decide betting rules Decide on your betting rules. What will be the ante? Is there a betting limit? Is there a limit to how many times a bet can be raised? If so, what is it? TIP: To keep the game fair, establish a modest limit to prevent players with infinite funds …