Michael McMahon offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print. Feel free to use this article in your newsletter, website, ezine, blog, or forum. ----------- PUBLICATION GUIDELINES - You have permission to publish this article for free providing the "About the Author" box is included in its entirety. - Do not post/reprint this article in any site or publication that contains hate, violence, porn, warez, or supports illegal activity. - Do not use this article in violation of the US CAN-SPAM Act. If sent by email, this article must be delivered to opt-in subscribers only. - If you publish this article in a format that supports linking, please ensure that all URLs and email addresses are active links. - Please send a copy of the publication, or an email indicating the URL to [email protected] - Article Marketer (www.ArticleMarketer.com) has distributed this article on behalf of the author. Article Marketer does not own this article, please respect the author's copyright and publication guidelines. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this article. ----------- Article Title: Texas Holdem Rules: The Secret Weapon Author: Michael McMahon Category: Word Count: 542 Keywords: Texas Holdem Rules, holdem rules, online texas holdem rules Author's Email Address: [email protected] Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com ------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------
Whenever you see a televised game of no limit Texas Holdem, you can bet that those players have a thorough knowledge of how the game works. Knowing and understanding Holdem rules allows you to develop better strategies and have a better idea of what your opponents may be up to. It can even help you when bluffing. In this article, we'll review some of the basic rules of the game and teach you to use them to your advantage. If you want to play Texas Holdem well, then you must start with the basics and learn the Holdem rules of play. A typical game has up to ten players. In the pre-flop play, antes called the small blind and the big blind must be paid by the two players to the left of the dealer, respectively. The amount of the blinds and the time frame at which they increase is predetermined before the game starts, and the small blind is always half of the big blind. The dealer will then deal two cards face down to all players. These are known as pocket cards or hole cards. When you look at these cards, you must decide to limp in by matching the amount of the big blind, raise or call another player's bet, check if no one else has made a bet, or fold. The round of betting stops when all players have either folded or called the last raise, and then the flop, turn and river cards are dealt, with continuous betting or folding options at each stage of play. Position is also a very important factor. Being in an early position means you are one of the first to act in a round of betting. The dealer position (called the button) is considered the strongest position because you act last post-flop. Since all of the other players have made their moves, it is an advantage because you can act with more information, which is essential to making the right decision on whether to bet, raise, check, call or fold. Play moves around the table and each player is the dealer in turn. Good players should also know how to work the fourth and fifth streets. Also know as The Turn and The River, respectively, the fourth and fifth community cards give you two more chances to either get out of the hand before you lose even more money or stay in to increase your winnings. This is where caution is important, especially if you weren't dealt strong hole cards. After fourth street, don't stay in the pot hoping for a straight or flush, unless you can do so without putting more chips into the pot. However, if you've already put a substantial ante into the pot, you may want to play aggressively by seeing the hand through. This is where good bluffers can really earn their money. Thoroughly understanding the Holdem rules is the key to winning. As you gain experience, you'll be able to read other players, bluff strategically and even "predict" cards to some extent. To get some valuable practice, invite your poker buddies over and have a home game, or play online games with $1 or $2 antes. It's a great way to practice your strategies without losing your shirt. Mike McMahon is an avid gamer and knows what it takes to win. Check it out for your self and get a free Texas Holdem Strategy Guide at: http://www.allabouttexasholdem.com ------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
