The Flop, Turn and River Cards
To win the pot in Texas Hold'em, the player must have the
highest five-card combination at the end to collect the pot. At
the start of every hand, each player is dealt two "hole" cards
face down with the ability to use the cards in the middle known
as community cards. The community cards are dealt face up
enabling everyone at the table to see what their best possible
five card hand is.
Three betting choices exist after the betting begins. Players
can either fold, call or raise. If a player doesn't like their
hole cards, they fold. If the player decides to "call" then the
size of the current bet required is matched. If the player opts
to "raise", then the size of the bet is increased.
Calling or raising is the only way to stay in the game. After
everyone has the opportunity to bet or fold, the three community
cards are dealt. This is called the "flop". The first player to
act may "check", without wagering any more money and still be
considered an active player in the game. The first player can
also bet. Once a bet is initiated, all other players must fold,
call, or raise to stay in the game, including those who have
initially checked.
After betting has ceased, a fourth card, called the "turn" card
is dealt and another round of betting ensues. The "river" is the
final card dealt which gives players the opportunity for one
last round of betting.
If there is a "showdown", with two or more remaining players,
all the hole cards are shown and the best hand wins. If a tie
occurs the pot is split.