Poker Rules - How to Play Poker in 5 Minutes

Poker is an exhilarating game and only takes a few minutes to learn how to play. No Limit Texas Hold’em, also called No Limit Hold’em (NLHE), is the most popular version of the game, and has very simple rules. So it’s an ideal poker game for new players.

The goal in No Limit Hold’em is to make the highest ranking five-card poker hand by using a combination of your face-down cards (called ‘hole cards’) and the ‘community cards’ that are dealt face up and shared by your opponents.

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Hand Rankings

The lowest hand is just a high card, and the top hand you can get is a Royal Flush.

No Limit Hold’em Poker Rules

The Dealer

The players are seated at the table, and the dealer button (a small circular marker) is placed in front of one player and moves one spot clockwise after each hand.

The Blinds

The two players who are seated on the left of the dealer button are required to post the ‘big blind’ and ‘small blind’. These are forced bets, which establish the size of the minimum bet in the first betting round, and help build a pot.

Hole Cards

Next, each player receives two hole cards. The player seated to the left of the big blind will begin the action, and they can bet an amount equal to the big blind (call), give up their hand (fold), or make a bigger bet (raise).

Betting Rules

In No Limit Hold’em, players can raise any amount as long as it’s at least twice the amount of the last bet or raise. If a player chooses to bet all of their chips, it’s called going ‘all in’.

The action continues clockwise around the table, with each player receiving the option to bet, raise or fold (depending on the actions of their opponents).

Flop, Turn, River

After the initial betting round, three face-up community cards are dealt in the center of the table. These cards are called the ‘Flop’. There is another betting round, with players having the additional option of ‘checking’ if they’re not facing a bet.

Another community card, called the ‘Turn’, is now dealt face-up. A third betting round ensues before the final shared card is dealt. This fifth and final community card is called the ‘River’. Players now have one more chance to bet before they must compare hands to determine a winner

Showdown

The cards have been dealt and the bets have been made – it’s time for the ‘showdown’. The pot is awarded to the highest ranking five-card poker hand. If there are two players who hold winning hands of equal strength, the pot will be divided evenly among them.

You’re ready to Play Poker!

Now you’ve got the basics. The fun really begins when you start playing poker! Download the PokerStars game software and practice poker for free (with play money chips). When you’re ready, you can join real-money games and tournaments with stakes and buy-ins from just a few pence to thousands of pounds, euros or dollars.

Learn more about Rules and Strategies

You’ll find a more detailed explanation of Texas Hold’em rules on the main Hold’em page. If you want to dive into poker strategy and learn how the pros play the game, check out the Poker Strategy section.