In Hold'em, a marker called ‘the button’ or ‘the dealer button’ indicates which player is the dealer for the current 8️⃣ game. Before the game begins, the player immediately clockwise from the button posts the "small blind", the first forced bet. 8️⃣ The player immediately clockwise from the small blind posts the "big blind", which is typically twice the size of the 8️⃣ small blind (blinds can vary depending on the stakes and betting structure being played). In Limit games, the big blind 8️⃣ is the same as the small bet, and the small blind is typically half the size of the big blind 8️⃣ (but may be larger depending on the stakes). For example, in aR$2/$4 Limit game the small blind isR$1 and the 8️⃣ big blind isR$2. In aR$15/$30 Limit game, the small blind isR$10 and the big blind isR$15. In Pot Limit and 8️⃣ No Limit games, the games are referred to by the size of their blinds (for example, aR$1/$2 Hold’em game has 8️⃣ a small blind ofR$1 and a big blind ofR$2). Depending on the exact structure of the game, each player may 8️⃣ also be required to post an ‘ante’ (another type of forced bet, usually smaller than either blind, posted by all 8️⃣ players at the table) into the pot. Now, each player receives their two hole cards. Betting action proceeds clockwise around 8️⃣ the table, starting with the player ‘under the gun’ (immediately clockwise from the big blind).

There are 1,326 possible combinations for 8️⃣ your opening hand in Texas Hold’em poker. However, because suits have no value in this poker variant, a lot of 8️⃣ these combinations will have the same value before the flop. When we eliminate identical combinations, there are 169 starting hands 8️⃣ in Texas Hold’em. Pre-flop, Pocket Aces is the best starting hand. However, if your hand doesn’t improve on the board, 8️⃣ you will only have one pair. Particularly in multi-way pots, this may not be a strong enough holding for you 8️⃣ to continue in later betting rounds, or to win the hand if it gets to showdown. When playing heads up 8️⃣ games (vs just one opponent), you typically need to play an extremely wide range of starting hands, especially when on 8️⃣ the button. However, in multi-way games (vs several opponents), you need to be more selective with your starting hands, taking 8️⃣ table position and the actions of your opponents into account. Hands with generally strong playability include: Top pairs – AA 8️⃣ and KK are the premium starting hands in Texas Hold’em. They can be played extremely confidently and aggressively pre-flop, and 8️⃣ you shouldn’t be deterred from getting your stack in the middle at this stage if you get the opportunity. QQ 8️⃣ and JJ are the next best pairs which can also be played positively, though you need to proceed with caution 8️⃣ if facing a lot of pre-flop aggression, or if over cards are dealt on the flop.

Limit Texas Hold'em

Maximum raise: The 8️⃣ size of the pot, which is defined as the total of the active pot plus all bets on the table 8️⃣ plus the amount the active player must first call before raising.

In Mixed Hold'em, the game switches between rounds of Limit 8️⃣ Hold'em and No Limit Hold'em. The blinds are typically increased when the game switches from No Limit to Limit, to 8️⃣ ensure some consistency in the average pot size in each game. The betting rules on each round follow the rules 8️⃣ for that game, as described above.