Rules For Poker

By: Chuck G.

Break Studios Contributing Writer

There are basic rules for poker that apply to every type of poker game. You start with money in the pot, cards are dealt and bets are placed. You raise the bet, call the bet or fold. No one can teach you how to win each hand. The sport is a gamble depending on how the cards are dealt and how the game is played by each poker player.

  1. Place money in the pot. Before cards are dealt everyone must throw money in the pot if they want to play that particular hand. The amount may be determined by the dealer or an agreement on all parties concerned.
  2. Deal cards clockwise. If you play Texas Hold ‘Em you’re dealt only two cards. If you play five-card-stud you receive five cards. Principle is the same. You want to achieve the best possible hand to win the poker game.
  3. Bet or fold. Once you’ve received your first hand of cards, whether two cards or five, poker rules do not force players to keep playing. You may bet if you feel lucky or fold out if you’re dealt a bad hand.
  4. Raise a bet. Second set of cards are dealt, you can either raise the bet or call someone’s raise which means you match their amount. Rules for poker you can raise as much as you want. No limits. You can go “all in” which is to throw everything you have in the pot. Uber aggressive play to the max.
  5. Winning hands. In order of greatest to least: five of a kind when joker is in play, royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, flush, straight, three of a kind, a pair and no pairs but high card wins. Regardless of the type of poker game you are playing the order of winning hands remains the same according to poker rules.

Bet when you feel lucky. Bluff if you have a good poker face. You can bluff all day long, no poker rule against that, but your poker buddies will soon catch on. Poker is a fun sport to enjoy so be coy, be clever and now that you know the poker rules you can raise, bluff and win lots of money, if you’re lucky.

Posted on: Sep. 12, 2010