Texas Holdem Poker is arguably the most popular version of the beloved card game out there. Suppose you’re wondering why players love it so much. In that case, we suggest you try a game on GG Poker, the world’s largest poker room where players from around the world can enjoy different poker variations, including Texas Holdem.
You can register for an account on GG Poker’s website. But before you do, read up on how to play Texas Holdem and take note of strategies to avoid the costly mistakes we’ve listed below.
Texas Holdem Basics
How do you play Texas Holdem? Knowing the rules is your first step to becoming a pro at any game, so let’s start with a short review of this poker variant’s parts and rules.
A Community Card Game
The first thing to know is that Texas Holdem is a community card game. This means that besides the cards dealt to the players, a different set of cards is dealt face-up in the middle of the table for the players to share.
How many people can play Texas Holdem? The game usually consists of anywhere from two to ten people.
The Pre-Flop
At the beginning of the game, each player is given two cards face-down. These are known as “hole cards.” The player to the left of the dealer then begins by betting or posting a blind or a forced bet. The two players to the dealer’s left must post these blinds, which encourages betting and keeps the pot size large.
The Flop
Once the blinds are in, three community cards are dealt face-up in the middle of the table. The player to the left of the dealer then has the option to bet, check, or fold. If someone does bet, then the next player has the option to call, raise, or fold.
The Turn
The fourth community card is dealt face up in the middle of the table. The betting then proceeds as usual, with the player to the left of the dealer having the option to bet, check, or fold.
The River
The fifth and final community card is dealt likewise face up in the middle of the table. The betting then proceeds as usual.
The Showdown
If more than one person is still in the hand after the river, then there is a showdown. This is when the rest of the players show their hole cards, and the best five-card hand is determined. The pot is then awarded to the player with the best hand.
Texas Holdem Mistakes to Avoid
Now that you know how to play Texas Holdem poker, let’s go over some key strategies to avoid costly mistakes.
1. Don’t play every hand
One of the biggest mistakes that beginning players make is playing too many hands. Just because you are given two cards doesn’t mean you have to play every hand. Doing so might land you in a difficult spot after giving so much of your chips away so early in the game.
The key is to be patient and wait for a good hand that you can play well.
2. Don’t chase after draws
A draw is when you have a hand that could improve if the right cards come up. For example, if you have two clubs and there are three more on the board, then you are said to be “drawing to a flush.”
It can be tempting to try to chase after these draws, but more often than not, it is a losing proposition. The key is to be patient and wait for a made hand.
3. Don’t overvalue your hand
Just because you have a good hand doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to win the pot. If you think you have a relatively strong hand, don’t get too excited, as there’s always the possibility that someone else has a better poker combination.
Don’t play too aggressively until you have a good read of the table and your opponents’ standing. The key is to be patient, pay attention to each player’s tells and patterns, and wait for the best opportunity to bet—or fold if the situation calls for it.
4. Don’t play when you’re tired or angry
Playing poker when you’re tired or angry is a recipe for disaster. You’re not going to make good decisions when you’re either of these, as your emotions may also be on overdrive. It’s best to take a break and come back when you’re feeling more refreshed, level-headed, confident, and in control.
5. Don’t bluff too much
Bluffing can be a good tool to use occasionally. Doing it too much can be counterproductive. Your opponents will catch on to your tactics and patterns and learn to call your bluff each time.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid some of the common mistakes that cause players to lose in Texas Holdem. Remember, the key to becoming a successful poker player is to be strategic, observant, and in control of yourself is key to becoming a successful poker player. If you can do that, you’ll be on your way to winning your fair share of Texas Holdem and other poker games.
