Poker basics: rules, hands and table etiquette

Start with the rules of the poker game you want to play. Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Seven-Card Stud share betting actions and many hand rankings, but their dealing rules differ.

Basic rules

Players compete for the pot. A hand can end when everyone but one player folds, or at a showdown between players still in the hand. During betting, players can check when there is no bet to call, bet, call, raise or fold as the situation allows.

Many games use blinds or antes to put chips into the pot before play begins. Check the format and stakes before joining.

Studying decisions

Watch how opponents bet, call and fold. Use that information when assessing a hand, but do not assume you know another player’s cards. A bluff aims to make an opponent fold a better hand; it can fail if they continue.

Standard high-hand rankings

1. Royal flush: A, K, Q, J and 10 of the same suit.
2. Straight flush: five consecutive cards of the same suit.
3. Four of a kind: four cards of one rank.
4. Full house: three of one rank and two of another.
5. Flush: five cards of the same suit.
6. Straight: five consecutive ranks.
7. Three of a kind: three cards of one rank.
8. Two pair: two pairs of different ranks.
9. One pair: two cards of one rank.
10. High card: the highest cards decide when no stronger combination is made.

Table etiquette

Pay attention when it is your turn, follow the house rules and handle cards and chips carefully. Treat the other players and the dealer courteously. Ask the dealer or host if you are unsure about a procedure.

Common mistakes

Playing too many starting hands, overlooking position and becoming attached to a hand are common problems for beginners. Reassess your decisions as the board and betting change. Review a difficult hand afterwards rather than judging every choice only by whether you won.