You DO NOT have to read this to enjoy the book. I introduce concepts in the story at a gradual pace that does not take away from the entertainment. However, if you want to learn more on your own. Below is an introduction to the basics of how to play. Of course, you can also search for youtube videos.
(From https://www.uspoker.com/strategy/no-limit-texas-holdem-rules/)
We'll discuss the unique language used at the tables, the rules of hold'em and the hand rankings to help make you more comfortable as you set off on your journey of mastering the game.
The Goal Of No-Limit Texas Hold'em
The goal of any game is to win, and the same goes for no-limit hold'em
Once all the cards are dealt, you will create the best five-card hand using a combination of your hole cards and the community cards.
You can use one of your hole cards and four of the community cards, you can use both of your hole cards and three of the community cards, or you can use all five of the community cards.
To win the game, all remaining players in the game after the final round of betting show their cards and the best hand claims the pot.
Texas Hold'em Hand Rankings
Royal flush – A, K, Q, J, 10, of the same suit.
Straight flush – Five sequential cards of the same suit.
Four of a kind – Four cards of the same rank
Full house – Three of the same card plus a pair.
Flush – Five non-sequential cards of the same suit.
Straight – Five cards in a sequence of different suits
Three of a kind – Three cards of the same rank.
Two pair – Two different pairs.
Pair – Two cards of the same rank.
High Card – The highest card plays of non-sequential, non-paired hand.
Before the Cards are Dealt in No-Limit Texas Hold'em
Understanding the flow of the game and where the action is will help you acclimate to the game and position you to make better decisions.
Dealer Button:
The dealer button shows which player at the table is the acting dealer. The dealer button rotates one position to the left after every hand is dealt. The player on the button is the last to act on each betting round after the flop is dealt.
The player on the button has the most advantageous position at the table because they have the option to act after seeing all the action unfold. The button player is making more informed decisions than a player require to act early.
In both live and online poker rooms, there is a designated dealer, while in a home game, being the dealer might mean you actually deal the game.
Blinds:
Every no-limit Texas hold'em hand has two players at the table required to post a bet, called the blind before the hole cards are dealt. These forced bets ensure there is always some money to be won, creating action.
The player directly to the left of the button is the small blind and is required to post half the amount of the big blind. And the player directly to the left of the small blind is the big blind and is required to post the entire big blind.
The amount of the blinds are determined by the stakes of the game and the card room and are clearly marked on each table.
Position:
Your position in relation to the button is a key factor when deciding what hands to play and what hands to fold in no-limit Texas hold'em.
As mentioned above, the button player and the players closest to the button on the right have the enviable position because they can see the action before them.
The players closest to the button on the left are at a disadvantage because they have to act before everyone else with limited information.
The Cards:
After the blinds are posted, every player is dealt two hole cards.
These cards are dealt face down and are kept private to each player. Every player is responsible for protecting their cards and keeping other players from seeing them.
The first three community cards dealt are called the flop, the next community card dealt is the turn (also known as fourth street) and the final community card dealt is the river (also known as fifth street).
There are betting rounds before the flop is dealt, after the flop is dealt, after the turn and again, after the river. You will use your hole cards and the community cards to determine your hand strength and make your wager during each betting round.
How to Play No-Limit Texas Hold'em
A hand of no-limit Texas hold'em begins when the blinds are posted, and the two hole cards are dealt to each player.
First Betting Round
After every player receives their hole cards, the player to the left of the big blind acts. They have three potential actions:
Fold: Throw their hand in the muck.
Call: Add the amount of the big blind to the pot.
Raise: Increase the bet by at least double the big blind, and up to the maximum bet your stack will allow.
The betting round continues until everyone has had a chance to act and all raises have been met by the remaining players.
Second Betting Round
Once the first-betting round is complete, the dealer reveals the flop, the first three community cards and places them in the middle of the table for everyone to see.
In this round and all remaining rounds, the action begins with the first remaining player to the left of the button.
The actions remain the same as in the first betting round, but an additional action of checking is added to the mix. By checking, you are simply passing to the next player. You can only check if there is no betting action ahead of you.
Third Betting Round
Once the second betting round is complete, the dealer will place the fourth community card, the turn, on the board and again, players have the option to check, fold, bet, call, or raise.
Final Betting Round
Once all the players have acted based on the turn card, the dealer reveals the fifth and final community card, called the river.
Another betting round takes place and players have the same actions available to them. Once all the action is complete, the remaining players head to showdown, showing their hands, and the player with the best five-card hand will take the pot.
Bluffing:
You don't need the best hand to win at no-limit Texas hold'em
One of the reasons it takes a lifetime to master this game is because you don't always need the best hand to win.
Watching and understanding your opponents and how they act is how you will take your game to the next level.
Based on your betting patterns and behaviors, your opponent might believe that you have a strong hand and fold before the final round of betting even when they have a stronger hand than you.
Sit down at a table, watch your opponents, mind your position and tell a story with your chips. Sometimes you'll bluff your way to winning and sometimes your cards will help you out.
There is never a dull moment, and that is why everyone loves no-limit hold'em