Poker (Texas Hold'em)

Designate a dealer. The two players to the dealer's left post the small blind (half the minimum bet) and the big blind (full minimum bet).

Deal 2 private cards face-down (hole cards) to each player.

Pre-flop: Each player looks at their 2 hole cards. Betting starts left of the big blind — call, raise, or fold.

The Flop: 3 community cards are dealt face-up. Another betting round begins left of the dealer.

The Turn: A 4th community card is dealt face-up. Another betting round follows.

The River: The 5th and final community card is dealt. The last betting round takes place.

Showdown: Remaining players reveal their cards. The best five-card hand (using any combination of hole and community cards) wins the pot.

Royal Flush: A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit.

Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.

Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.

Full House: Three of a kind + a pair.

Flush: Any five cards of the same suit.

Straight: Five consecutive cards of mixed suits.

Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.

Two Pair: Two different pairs.

One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.

High Card: No combination — highest card plays.

Position matters enormously — acting last gives you more information than any other advantage.

Fold more often than you think you should, especially pre-flop with weak hands.

Pay attention to betting patterns, not just your own cards.