Things You Need to Know Before Playing Texas Hold'Em

Texas Hold’em: Quick History

There's no telling when Texas Hold'em really started, but the legislative body of the state of Texas was the first to officially declare it originated from Robstown, Texas. Its history can be traced back to the early 1900s. 

The card game easily gained popularity among locals, and in no time, it was brought to Las Vegas in 1963. It was first introduced by Corky McCorquodale and was first played at the California Club. 

Since then, many professional poker players started getting interested in the game, among them are Doyle Brunson, Crandell Addington, and Amarillo Slim. These pros were the very reason why there was a slight change in the rules. From being the lowest ranking card, it was now considered Ace high and it has always been this way until now. 

In case you are wondering why Hold'em is now preferred over Stud poker, it's probably because this variant allows players to employ more strategies since you have 4 chances to bet, compared to Stud where you only have two. 

Rules In Playing Hold’em

If you are new to this card game, then you need to first learn the rules in order to appreciate it better and play it more efficiently. Here are the general rules:

• The dealer hands out each player 2 personal cards a.k.a hole cards. Only you can see this. 

• The dealer then deals 5 community cards at an interval (after each betting round). This time, the cards are face-up so all the players can see them.

• The community cards can be combined with your personal cards so that you can form, ideally, a poker hand with 5 cards.

Tips In Improving Your Texas Hold’em Game Play

Every pro player became a beginner at one point. No one was born a pro poker player. Even the children of legendary card players need to learn the game if they want to follow their parent's footsteps. 

If you are an aspiring poker player, here are some tips to improve your skills:

• Know the rules, in mind and heart. This will help you understand and appreciate the game better. Once you do, playing the game will be as natural as it can be.

• Practice playing the game regularly. If your goal is to become a pro, it is important to start playing it regularly. The safest way to start is by opening a virtual poker account on non-cash poker platforms. This will give you the freedom to learn through experience. You can play virtually against computers, or even compete with real people using the virtual chips first.

• Practice with real people as well. Though playing online is very convenient, nothing beats the experience you get when playing with people personally. If you have friends who know how to play, you can try playing with them. The best thing about this is you can observe their behaviors, their facial expressions, and most especially, their strategies. 

• Focus and play smart. Not every card you are dealt with will be the best, so you need to focus on how you can keep that from your opponent. As much as you can, never show them hints that you're nervous. Keep your cool and continue playing. But, it is also important to know when to back down. This will minimize your losses. 

• Study your opponents moves/strategies. This will enable you to counterattack their moves. If you have been observing your opponent for quite some time, you will have an idea how he reacts with every card being dealt.

• Be confident. Don't shy away from betting big if you clearly know you have the best hand. Be confident in your skills.

In poker, you need to have both skills and luck. Since it's still gambling, you can consider it a game of chance. But having skills will take you to even greater heights. Additionally, it gives you some assurance that you can win your hand no matter what. 

But the most important part of it all, is enjoy what you are doing. If all else fails, know that you gained experience through the game and no amount of money can ever replace that. You will only come out smarter and bolder the next time you play. 

They say: “In poker you either win, or you learn”.

May the flop be with you!