Poker Fundamentals
- Introduction to Poker
- Understanding Texas Hold'em
- Fundamentals of Poker Strategy
Understanding Texas Hold'em
Understanding Poker Hands and Basic Conventions
Set of cards in poker.
In the game of Texas Hold'em, understanding the ranking of poker hands is crucial. This knowledge will guide your betting decisions and strategic play. In this unit, we will explore the different poker hands, from the highest to the lowest, and delve into some basic conventions of the game.
Poker Hands
Poker hands in Texas Hold'em are ranked according to the standard poker hand ranking system. Here are the hands from highest to lowest:
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Royal Flush: This is the highest possible hand in poker. It consists of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit.
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Straight Flush: Five cards of the same suit in numerical order. For example, 5-6-7-8-9 all of hearts.
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Four of a Kind (Quads): Four cards of the same rank. For example, four Queens.
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Full House: Three of a kind and a pair. For example, three Aces and two Kings.
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Flush: Any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
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Straight: Five consecutive cards of any suit.
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Three of a Kind (Trips or Set): Three cards of the same rank.
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Two Pair: Two different pairs. For example, two Aces and two Kings.
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Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
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High Card: When no other hand applies, the highest card held wins.
The Concept of the Kicker
In Texas Hold'em, the "kicker" is the highest card that is not part of the main combination. It's used to break ties between players holding the same hand. For example, if two players have a pair of Aces, the player with the highest kicker (the highest card outside of the pair of Aces) wins the hand.
Split Pots and Side Pots
A "split pot" occurs when two or more players have exactly the same best hand. In this case, the pot is divided equally among the winning players.
A "side pot" is created when one player goes all-in and there are still players who have more chips and continue betting. The all-in player can only win the main pot (the amount they contributed to), while the remaining players compete for both the main pot and the side pot.
Understanding these hand rankings and basic conventions is fundamental to playing Texas Hold'em. In the next unit, we will explore the etiquette of poker and the concept of poker tells.