Texas Holdem Instructions Video

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Nov 17, 2020 Provide specific instructions for cutting the deck (don't shuffle!), shuffling piles (only the top three cards), and dealing (one card per pile). The outcome will effectively be the same. The difference is that the audience will believe your trick more because they will be duped into thinking they control the outcome. Online Slots games, Poker Texas Holdem Instructions like all slot machine games, operate randomly. This is due to a Random Number Generator contained within the game’s software. This software cycles through millions Poker Texas Holdem Instructions of numbers continuously. The outcome of a spin is automatically determined by the RNG at the time you hit the spin button, making it impossible to. Popularized by the World Series of Poker and free video poker games, you've probably heard of Texas Holdem poker before. Don't worry if you haven't, though, because our free Texas Holdem game includes everything you need to learn: instructions that describe Texas Hold Em rules, a poker hands chart (Texas Hold 'Em cheat sheet), and creative AI. Mar 01, 2021 Contributions and Feedback. The Pagat website was founded in 1995. Its aim is to document the rules of traditional card and domino games for the benefit of players who would like to broaden their knowledge and try out unfamiliar games.

Here are a bunch of free poker training videos aimed toward providing strategy and tips for no limit Texas Hold'em games.

All of these strategy videos are completely free, so you're definitely getting your money's worth here. It's cool to see the advice from the strategy articles getting put in to action in real-life (well, online) situations.

Free poker training videos.

SplitSuit.

VideoTypeLevelStakesGameLengthDate
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

An introduction and guide to using combos in Texas Hold'em. This video also contains information on weighted ranges and blockers, along with a quick tutorial on using the Flopzilla EV Calculator.'>Combos
ConceptAdvanced-FR44 mins15 Apr 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

The definitive guide on how to play pocket aces both preflop and postflop in no limit Texas Hold'em. Other topics covered in this video include; SPR, balance, reasons for betting, and poker mindset.'>Playing AA
ConceptAdvanced-FR45 mins21 Apr 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

What is an 'isolation play' and who should we isolate? This video covers numerous examples of isolating against weak-tight and weak-loose players, both in position and out of position. Lots of other fun isolation strategy stuff too.'>Isolating
ConceptAdvanced-FR35 mins23 Apr 11
Type: Concept
Game: -
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

A complete guide to HUD stats. Find out which stats are the most useful and how they can help you make better decisions against your opponents in online poker.'>HUD Ninja
ConceptIntermediate--42 mins26 Apr 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Four common mistakes made by cash game players; stats and sample sizes, reasons for betting, positional awareness, and exploiting other players' mistakes.'>Common Mistakes (Part 1)
ConceptIntermediate-FR34 mins28 Apr 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to destroy short stack poker players. This video covers optimal preflop play (stealing, 3betting etc.), optimal postflop play and bunch of other short-stack-beating strategy.'>Crushing Shortstackers
ConceptIntermediate-FR38 mins03 May 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

A guide to making optimal bet sizes both preflop and postflop to increase your winrate. This video also covers the 3 reasons for betting in NLHE.'>The Art of Bet Sizing
ConceptIntermediate-FR45 mins12 May 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to play from the small blind and big blind in Texas Hold'em cash games. Find out what the biggest leaks are in your blind play and how to plug them.'>Blind Leakage
ConceptIntermediate-FR54 mins28 May 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to identify fish (both aggressive and passive fish) and exploit their mistakes for maximum value.'>Destroying Fish
ConceptAdvanced-FR48 mins18 Jun 11
Type: INVERSE
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

First 'INVERSE' hand history analysis video. SplitSuit looks at other players' hand histories and attempts to figure out why they made the plays they did.'>Inverse (Part 1)
INVERSEIntermediate$100NLFR34 mins27 Jun 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

This second 'common mistakes' video looks at cold calling and hand classes in FR cash games. Hand classification involves determining whether you have either a; value hand, showdown value hand, bluff hand, or a semi-bluff hand.'>Common Mistakes (Part 2)
ConceptIntermediate-FR42 mins21 Jul 11
Type: INVERSE
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $25NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Part 2 of the INVERSE video series. Eight hand histories with a focus on hand planning, bet sizing and pot geometry for maximizing value with strong hands.'>Inverse (Part 2)
INVERSEIntermediate$25NLFR33 mins25 Jul 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

A complete guide to using the squeeze play as a bluff. Find out when and how to use the bluff squeeze effectively in various preflop situations.'>Bluff Squeezes
ConceptAdvanced-FR34 mins27 Jul 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Learn how to make profitable continuation bets. SplitSuit covers how to make good bluff cbets and how to make good value cbets.'>C-Betting Like A Champion
ConceptBeginner-FR45 mins03 Aug 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to play small pocket pairs (22 to 66) preflop and postflop. This concept video covers; set mining, opening, 3betting and how to play when you hit/miss your set on the flop.'>Baby Pairs
ConceptBeginner-FR33 mins04 Aug 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Hand planning is a more profitable way to play before the flop - it's like an advanced version of starting hand selection. SplitSuit teaches you how to 'think ahead' to help you make better +EV decisions.'>Preflop Planning
ConceptBeginner-FR38 mins08 Aug 11
Type: INVERSE
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $50NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

INVERSE part 3 focuses on playing Ace-Jack in Texas Hold'em. There are 8 hand history reviews in the INVERSE style, each looking at the most profitable ways to play AJ in different preflop and postflop situations.'>Inverse (Part 3) - Playing AJ
INVERSEIntermediate$50NLFR34 mins11 Aug 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Everything you need to know about stealing blinds. How much to bet, when to steal, how to react to resteals, and how to play postflop when your steal gets called.'>Blind Stealing
ConceptBeginner-FR44 mins22 Aug 11
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $200NL
Tables: 1
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

SplitSuit's first 'standard' hand history review video. There are 9 FR NLHE hand histories replayed and analysed in total.'>HH Review 1
Hand ReplayerBeginner$200NLFR39 mins13 Sep 11
Type: INVERSE
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $4NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Situations covered in this 4th INVERSE video include; playing in multi-way pots, getting value from TPGK, and getting min check-raised with pocket aces on the flop.'>Inverse (Part 4)
INVERSEIntermediate$4NLFR38 mins19 Sep 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Extrapolation involves observing and analyzing the decisions your opponents make, and finding out more than just the face-value information on offer.'>Extrapolation
ConceptAdvanced-FR35 mins25 Sep 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

A guide to the different player types in cash games and how to play the most profitably against them. The 6 different player types include; Nits, Tags, Lags, A-Fish, P-Fish and Unknowns.'>Player Types
ConceptBeginner-FR41 mins08 Oct 11
Type: INVERSE
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

A collection of 9 KQ hand histories at $100NL in the INVERSE SplitSuit style.'>Inverse (Part 5) - Playing KQ
INVERSEBeginner$100NLFR31 mins14 Oct 11
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

When to limp preflop and how to play in limped pots postflop. This concept video contains a bunch of hand histories of SplitSuit limping in preflop - the rest of the strategy goes from there.'>Limped Pots
ConceptBeginner-FR31 mins19 Oct 11
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: 1
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

There are 9 hand histories of $100NL FR NLHE. This video makes good use of HUD stats when it comes to determining optimal lines.'>HH Review 2
Hand ReplayerBeginner$100NLFR34 mins24 Oct 11
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $50NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

9 hand histories at $50NL where Hero 3bets and Villain either 4bets or calls and Hero has to play postflop in a 3bet pot.'>When 3Bets Go Wrong (Part 1)
Hand ReplayerIntermediate$50NLFR34 mins01 Nov 11
Type: Concept
Game: -
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to use the incredible Flopzilla poker calculator, which is a tool that tells you in what way and how often different ranges hit different boards. Download it and watch this. '>Using Flopzilla
ConceptAdvanced--35 mins09 Nov 11
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $50NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

More tricky 3bet spots and hand histories. Includes four short-handed hands (6 players or less).'>When 3Bets Go Wrong (Part 2)
Hand ReplayerIntermediate$50NLFR33 mins15 Nov 11
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to play against cappers (players with ~40bb stacks).'>Playing Against Cappers
Hand ReplayerIntermediate$100NLFR35 mins18 Nov 11
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $25NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

10 hand histories at $25NL with a focus on playing premium hands like AA, KK and AK, along with other broadway hands and pocket pairs.'>HH Review 3
Hand ReplayerBeginner$25NLFR34 mins02 Dec 11
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $25NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Hand history review video where each of the 8 hands involves Hero either flopping a flush or a flush draw.'>Flushes and Flush Draws
Hand ReplayerBeginner$25NLFR32 mins14 Dec 11
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

9 hand histories where Hero is facing a 3bet before the flop. Lots of different scenarios and strategy for playing against 3bets.'>Facing Preflop 3Bets
Hand ReplayerIntermediate$100NLFR33 mins06 Jan 12
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: 6max
Stakes: $50NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Hero flops either a set or trips on the flop and SplitSuit discusses how to maximise value in these 8 different hand histories at 6max $50NL.'>Trips and Sets
Hand ReplayerBeginner$50NL6max34 mins10 Jan 12
Type: INVERSE
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to play mid pocket pairs (99-JJ) in the INVERSE style. Situations include playing against aggression OOP preflop, and maximizing value postflop.'>Inverse (Part 6) - Playing 99-JJ
INVERSEIntermediate$100NLFR34 mins17 Sep 12
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

A guide to continuation betting against multiple opponents on the flop. 11 hand history examples of multi-way cbetting (usually against 2 other players).'>Multi-Way Cbetting
Hand ReplayerBeginner-FR35 mins18 Sep 12
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $50NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to play KK preflop and postflop. Includes strategy on 3betting/4betting and how to play on flops with an Ace.'>Playing KK
Hand ReplayerIntermediate$50NLFR34 mins20 Sep 12
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $50NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to get maximum value from your hand when you flop a monster (two-pair or better). Includes bet sizing and hand planning strategy.'>Flopped Monsters
Hand ReplayerBeginner$50NLFR34 mins26 Sep 12
Type: Concept
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

'>When 3Bets Go Wrong (Part 3)
ConceptIntermediate$100NLFR32 mins26 Dec 12
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Just got raised on the flop with a hand like TPTK? Awkward. Here are some pointers.'>Facing Flop Raises
Hand ReplayerBeginner$100NLFR32 mins07 Aug 13
Type: INVERSE
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to play profitably when you miss the flop. Six example hand histories.'>A Collection of Postflop Air
INVERSEAdvanced$100NLFR34 mins09 Aug 13
Type: INVERSE
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

How to play suited connectors. Hands like; 65s, 87, and JT. Seven hand histories analysed.'>A Collection of Suited Connectors
INVERSEIntermediate$100NLFR30 mins16 Aug 13
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Ace Queen - six examples of how to play it. How to maximise value and minimise losses.'>Ace Queen
Hand ReplayerIntermediate$100NLFR33 mins17 Aug 13
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: Full Ring
Stakes: $100NL
Tables: -
Author: James 'SplitSuit' Sweeney

Five more hand histories where Hero's 3bet gets called and has to play post flop. This video contains more strategy for playing in 3bet pots on later streets (i.e. the turn and river).'>When 3Bets Go Wrong (Part 4)
Hand ReplayerIntermediate$100NLFR31 mins26 Aug 13

Jack Wilcox.

VideoTypeLevelStakesGameLengthDate
Type: Session Replay
Game: 6max
Stakes: $25NL
Tables: 4
Author: Jack Wilcox

Four tables of $25NL including two deepstacked 200BB tables. General 6max $25NL strategy.'>Jack Wilcox 1
Session ReplayBeginner$25NL6max62 mins12 Mar 10
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: 6max
Stakes: $100NL+
Tables: 1
Author: Jack Wilcox

Five interesting hands are replayed using the HEM hand replayer. The focus of the startegy is upon value betting and getting value from top-pair hands.'>Jack Wilcox 2
Hand ReplayerIntermediate$100NL+6max42 mins12 Mar 10
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: 6max
Stakes: $400NL+
Tables: 1
Author: Jack Wilcox

A second hand replayer video with the focus on putting opponents on a range of hands and making the most profitable play based on that range.'>Jack Wilcox 3
Hand ReplayerAdvanced$400NL+6max27 mins12 Mar 10
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: 6max
Stakes: $400NL+
Tables: 1
Author: Jack Wilcox

A third hand replayer video. Involves bluffcatching with top pair against aggressive players, firing a 3rd barrel as a bluff and maximizing value with zeebo's theorem.'>Jack Wilcox 4
Hand ReplayerAdvanced$400NL+6max49 mins19 Apr 10
Type: Hand Replayer
Game: 6max
Stakes: $200NL
Tables: 1
Author: Jack Wilcox

Jack looks at 3 big all-in losses that most players would consider to be 'coolers' and works out the EV for each of his decisions to find out if he could have made better plays.'>Jack Wilcox 5
Hand ReplayerAdvanced$200NL6max33 mins16 Sep 10
Type: Tutorial
Game: -
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: Jack Wilcox

A guide to using Holdem Manager. All of the basics and essentials about the HEM tracking software that will help to get you started.'>Holdem Manager Guide
TutorialIntermediate--34 mins23 Sep 10
Type: Session Replay
Game: Rush Poker
Stakes: $25NL
Tables: 2
Author: Jack Wilcox

Part 1 of the Rush Poker training video series by Jack Wilcox. Covers some Rush Poker strategy basics and goes on to talk about other topics like; betting to win dead money, cbetting, double barreling and set mining.'>Rush Poker (Part 1/2)
Session ReplayBeginner$25NLRush61 mins24 Sep 10
Type: Session Replay
Game: Rush Poker
Stakes: $25NL
Tables: 2
Author: Jack Wilcox

Part 2 of the Rush Poker training video series by Jack Wilcox. When and when not to cbet on different types of flops is covered extensively in this video.'>Rush Poker (Part 2/2)
Session ReplayBeginner$25NLRush36 mins03 Nov 10
Type: Tutorial
Game: -
Stakes: -
Tables: -
Author: Jack Wilcox

A quick and basic overview of the stats used in the Holdem Manager HUD. Find out what the most important stats mean and how to use them.'>Holdem Manager HUD
TutorialIntermediate--23 mins22 Nov 10
Type: Session Replay
Game: 6max
Stakes: $10NL
Tables: 6
Author: Jack Wilcox

Part 1 of a series of videos on $10NL cash game strategy. Cbetting and 3betting are covered extensively.'>Jack Wilcox 7 (Part 1/2)
Session ReplayBeginner$10NL6max59 mins21 Mar 11
Type: Session Replay
Game: 6max
Stakes: $10NL
Tables: 6
Author: Jack Wilcox

Part 2 of the $10NL cash game strategy videos. This video continues to discuss cbetting and 3betting heavily. There is also a good, short discussion on 4bet bluffing and its merits at $10NL.'>Jack Wilcox 7 (Part 2/2)
Session ReplayBeginner$10NL6max68 mins22 Mar 11

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What are free poker strategy videos?

Poker training videos usually involve a professional/incredibly good poker player recording themselves playing a session of online poker. As they go along, they will comment on their plays and try to explain why they are making their actions and why they believe they are profitable. As you can guess, this is a great way to learn as you watch these videos.

Some training videos differ slightly in format, but that's the general idea of how most Texas Hold'em strategy videos work.

Where to start with Texas Hold'em strategy videos.

Although these free training videos have been ordered by coach and the date they were added, you can pretty much pick and choose any video at random to watch. There's no need to watch the videos in any particular order.

It may be easier to watch videos in order for ease of use, but it's by no means a necessity. Most players will look to watch videos similar to the stakes and game type they play.

The PDF rules of poker are provided below for Texas Hold'em, the most popular poker variant.

To get the PDF printable version of this post click on of the unlock buttons below:

Other popular game variants include Pot Limit Omaha and 5card draw.

Table Of Contents

  • Texas Hold'em Rules
  • Poker hand Ranking System

Texas Hold'em Rules

In Texas hold’em each player is dealt two cards called their ‘hole’ cards. Hole cards can only be seen and used by one person. The dealer button (denoted by a circular disc) is allocated before hands are dealt to allow for the positioning of the forced bets: small blind and big blind, and also to determine who will act first and last in the hand.

There are a total of four betting rounds: preflop, the flop, the turn and the river. The betting rounds will be detailed further on.

If you have a dedicated dealer (such as at a casino), the button will still move around the table so everybody will eventually have to pay the blinds. The button doesn't show who is dealing in a casino; the button shows who is seated the best position at the table and where the blinds are located.

If you just sat down (out of turn) you will have to pay the blinds in order get dealt a hand; otherwise, you can wait until the blinds come around to your seat. You should wait for the blinds as paying twice is unprofitable.

The size of the blinds depends on the limit; for example, a 1/2 No Limit Hold'em game would have a big blind of $2 and a small blind of 1$. The small blind and big blind are located to the left of the button.

This is shown in the case of a 6 handed game below:

The blinds are an important part of the rules of poker. These forced bets which give players an incentive to play; in other words ‘spice up' the game. Without the blinds, there would be no penalty for waiting and only playing strong hands. The only hand worth playing would be two aces!

Antes are another form of forced bets which are often used the increase the action in some game types such as tournaments and deep stacked cash games.

Pre-flop – The First Betting Round of Hold'em

The first round of betting takes places starting at the position to the left of the big blind (early position or EP). Each player has the following options:

Raise: you can raise the current bet to increase the stakes of the game. If someone has raised before you, you can still raise again – this is call a reraise. The minimum size you can raise is typically chosen to be twice that of the last bet or raise.

Texas Holdem Instructions Video Youtube

Call: When you do not want to raise the stakes but want to continue with your hand you can match the current bet.

Fold: If you feel your hand is not worth playing any further you can fold your hand and not commit any more bets.

Check: If there is no bet placed you can check in order to see the next card. This isn't applicable to preflop. The blinds are the first bet preflop which must be matched with a call or raised, if a player wishes to continue.

Players must act in sequence until all bets are settled. The button must always act last in the first sequence. This first round of betting called ‘pre-flop’ occurs before the flop is dealt.

The Flop – The Second Betting Round

Texas

The second round of betting takes places after the three community (shared) cards called the flop are dealt. The action will be to the first player to the left of the dealer. This is opposed to the action starting to the left of the big blind during the preflop betting round.

The first player to act has the option to check bet or fold; although you should not fold when you can check for free. The betting rounds after the flop is dealt is collectively known as ‘post-flop’.

The Turn – The Third Betting Round

The third round of betting occurs after the second community card has been dealt. This card is called the turn. Again, the action starts with the active player to the left of the dealer.

The River and Showdown – The Fourth Betting Round

The fourth and final round of betting occurs when the dealer turns over the river card. The hand ends with the showdown of hands or if there is only one live hand remaining (the other player(s) have folded).

At showdown, the player with the best five card combination from their hole cards and the community cards wins the final pot. Split pots occur when both players have the same best five cards.

After each hand, the button moves to the left of the dealer. This means everyone will have to play the blinds at some point.

Texas hold'em rules are quite simple; however the strategies involved in winning are ever evolving.

The rules of Texas Hold'em are just the beginning so head to our home page if you want to improve your poker game!

Other notes:

home page if you want to improve your poker game!

home page if you want to improve your poker game!

Keep this printable PDF hand ranking sheet beside you when you play to make sure you don't make a mistake!

The strongest to weakest hands of them poker hand hierarchy are listed below with the poker hands probability listed in brackets. After reading there will be no debating with friends ‘who has the best poker hand'!

  1. Royal Flush (649,739:1)
    Ace, King, Queen, Jack, Ten all of the same suit – the strongest poker hand.
  1. Straight flush (72,192:1)
    Five sequential cards all of the same suit. The second strongest poker hand.
  1. Four of a kind (4,164:1)
    Four cards of the same value. Also known as ‘quads’.
  1. Full House (693:1)
    Three cards of the same value plus two cards of the same value. Usually a winner!
Texas Holdem Instructions Video
  1. Flush (508:1)
    Five cards all of the same suit.
  1. Straight (254:1)
    Five cards in sequential order. Also referred to as a run.
  1. Three of a kind (46:1)
    Three cards of the same value.
  1. Two pair (20 : 1)
    Two sets of two cards with the same value. A common hand which can sometimes win at showdown!
  1. One pair (1.37:1)
    Two cards of the same value.

Watch Texas Holdem

  1. High card
    The player with the highest card wins. Unlikely to be a winner so play with care.

Kickers

A kicker is much like a decider when both players have similar hand types. For example, if player A has A♠Q♣and Player B has A♣J♠ and the board is AK5♠ 7♠ 2 both players will have top pair with an ace but player A will win because the Q is a better kicker than the J♠. The best five cards in this scenario are AAQ75 whereas the losing hand has AAJ75. A kicker is a very important concept when trying to understand the poker hand ranking system.

Split pots

Split pots occur when both players get to showdown and have the same hand rank. The pot is divided up equally between each of the players.

To take an example, if player A has K♠J and player B has K♣Q♠ on a AK5♠5♣2♠ board both players will have two pair and ace kicker as their best hand (A, K, K, 5, 5). Therefore the pot will be split between the two players.

Alternatively, if the neither player can improve the hand on the board it will also be a split pot. If the board is AK55Kand player A has Q♠J♣ and player B has 4♣4♠ then both players will be playing the board and thus it will be a split pot. Hence, you cannot have three pair in poker and the best two pair will play.

Beyond hand rankings

Texas Holdem Instruction Videos

The rules of poker and poker hand rankings are just the beginning for you on your poker journey. One of the core skills in poker is being able to determine whether your hand is strong or weak on a relative scale as opposed to an absolute scale. For example, three of a kind is extremely strong on a board with no flush or straight possibilities but very weak on a board with 4 to a flush or 4 to a straight (e.g. T987 – any heart or J or 6 beats three of a kind).

One key point to note is that in poker all suits are of the same value. An Ace high flush of hearts is the same value as an Ace high flush of spades.

The first step to this is remembering if a flush beats a straight, or whether a straight flush beats quads; the next stage is figuring out your hand's relative strength based on how your opponent is playing, his tendencies and most importantly the board texture as noted.

Additionally, we should take into account the following factors:

  • How many players are in the pot
  • The amount of chips in the pot
  • The size of the bets made

Free Texas Hold'em Instructions

If you can understand the poker hand rankings and relative hand strength you will be ahead of the game; get ready to beat all your friends and opponents at your home games and casinos! Want to accelerate your poker learning? Check out or poker training sites post for the quickest ways to improve your poker game.

If you are new to poker and are unsure of what hands you need to play, check out our starting hand charts over at the poker cheat sheet webpage.

Check out this poker hand ranking video for a more visual format of everything we said:

Make sure you check out the fan favorite posts:

Poker cheat sheet for beginners & Best Poker Books