Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker variant in the world, played in both casual home games and high-stakes tournaments. Its mix of skill, strategy, and psychology has made it the go-to format for poker enthusiasts of all levels. If you’re new Master Poker Malaysia to the game or just need a refresher, this guide will explain the core rules of Texas Hold’em clearly and simply.

Below, you’ll learn how the game is set up, how betting rounds work, and what determines the winning hand.

Objective of Texas Hold’em

The objective in Texas Hold’em is to make the best five-card poker hand using a combination of your two private cards (hole cards) and the five shared community cards dealt face-up on the table.

The player with the best hand at showdown (or the last player remaining after everyone else folds) wins the pot.

Game Setup

• Players: 2 to 10 per table.

• Deck: Standard 52-card deck.

• Dealer Button: Rotates clockwise after every hand.

• Blinds: Two players to the left of the dealer post forced bets:

  • Small blind (first position)

  • Big blind (second position)

These blinds start the action and build the pot.

The Deal

Each player is dealt two private cards face-down (known as “hole cards”). These are for your eyes only and play a key role in determining your hand strength.

The Betting Rounds

There are four betting rounds in Texas Hold’em:

1. Pre-Flop

After players receive their hole cards, betting starts with the player to the left of the big blind. Players can:

• Call (match the big blind)

• Raise (increase the bet)

• Fold (discard their hand)

2. The Flop

Three community cards are dealt face-up in the center of the table. Another round of betting begins with the first active player to the left of the dealer.

3. The Turn

A fourth community card is dealt. Another round of betting follows.

4. The River

The fifth and final community card is revealed. One last round of betting takes place.

5. The Showdown

If two or more players remain after the final round of betting, hands are revealed. The player with the best five-card hand wins the pot.

Hand Rankings (From Highest to Lowest)

1. Royal Flush – A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit

2. Straight Flush – Five consecutive cards of the same suit

3. Four of a Kind – Four cards of the same rank

4. Full House – Three of a kind + a pair

5. Flush – Five cards of the same suit

6. Straight – Five consecutive cards (mixed suits)

7. Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank

8. Two Pair – Two separate pairs

9. One Pair – Two cards of the same rank

10. High Card – The highest card when no combination is made

Key Rules to Remember

• Players can use any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards.

• You can use both, one, or even none of your hole cards (called “playing the board”).

• If two players have the same hand, the pot is split.

• A minimum of two players is required for a showdown.