Texas Hold em Poker is the most popular poker game. Though the history and origins of the game are not clear and is debatable, but the popularity of the game has driven masses. The main reasons that can be picked for its popularity are that it is a rapid game which is hugely enjoyable and offers an exciting mix of skill/ strategy and luck.
The other main reason for its popularity is the advancements in technology especially internet. The recent trends in technology are also making advancements into mobile technology.
Always remember that becoming a successful Texas Hold em player takes patience, skill, luck and an extensive knowledge about the game. However, the rewards (provided you have the right poker strategy) can vary depending on the different types of betting structures and can be equal to large amounts of money as a skilled no limit Texas Hold’em player.
Talking about the different betting structures in Hold em, they can be categorised as limit, pot-limit, and no-limit. Each game has its own rules and formats. Also these betting structures leads to different concepts oh hold em play, which includes concepts like position, control and card play.
Out of the three betting structures, No Limit Hold em is the most popular version of the game. As the name suggests, there are no limits on betting. So this implies that the person has to be cautious, trained and needs a bit of luck, as it can either cost the whole pot or lead to a big win.
So the thing that stands out from all the discussion above is that, you have to master your basic poker skills and move from level to level to hone your skills. This leads to the next section of this article which will now focus on basics of Texas Hold em.
Remember that in Texas Holdem poker the player who makes the best combination of five cards from a possible seven, wins. It is important to memorise the hand rankings in Texas Holdem. There are basically ten types of hand rankings. The highest being the ‘royal flush’ which includes cards from 10 to an ace, and all the cards from the same suit. The next is the ‘straight flush’ which has all the cards from the same suit. The third one is called ‘four of a kind’, which comprises of four cards of the same rank. Remember, highest four of a kind wins.
As you can see from the three rankings mentioned above, the rankings are simple but they have to be memorised before playing. The fourth highest rankings is a ‘full house’ which is a combination of a pair and three of a kind, where highest three of a kind wins. The next ranking in the order is ‘flush’ which has five non sequential cards from the same suit and the highest card wins. The sixth ranking is called ‘straight’ which has five sequential cards from different suits. Remember that ace can be either used as a high or a low. Seventh ranking is ‘three of a kind’ which has three cards of the same rank. The next ranking is called ‘two pair’ which comprises of two pairs of cards of equal rank, and the highest pair of cards win. The next to last in rankings in a game of Texas Hold em is ‘pair’ which has any two cards of the same rank, and the highest pair wins. The last ranking is called ‘high card’ in which if no one holds any of the above, then the player with the highest card wins (where ace is the highest of all). Knowing about these rankings is the first step to learn poker and how to play hold em poker.
Now all you have to do is memorise these hand rankings, because there is no point hitting the poker table without the knowledge of these hand rankings.
The next article in the series will explain the other important aspects of hold em poker including some useful tips and tricks.