How To Play Poker: Poker Rules

InsideEdge: Basic Hold'em Strategy

How a Hand Unfolds

  • 1. The First Round

    You are the player at the bottom of the picture. It’s time to raise and get some money in this pot! A-K suited is almost the best you can hope for before the flop

    Click on image to enlarge



  • 2. The Flop

    With a flop of Q, A, J you’ve got top pair, and a straight flush draw. Keep betting, or checkraise if you can – unless you think someone already has you beat



  • 3. The Turn

    The 10 makes a royal flush, a hand rarer than a solar eclipse! It’s too good to lead out with, unless you think other players won’t bet. Lie in the bushes ready to pounce with a check-raise



  • 4. The River

    The river doesn’t change your unbeatable hand, but it makes a straight on the board, and now only a flush (or straight flush, ha, ha!) can win outright. Keep betting and pray for some action!