Texas Hold’em Fever

I recieved an interesting update from the Poker Players Alliance, that I thought should be shared AND acted upon by all poker players!

Part of the letter reads:
“Frankly, there is very little specific information from most of the candidates on this issue, so we are also encouraging you to contact the campaigns of the candidates who interest you, and ask their position. Please let them know you are an undecided voter and a proud poker player when you contact the campaign, so we can illustrate the grassroots strength behind the great game of poker. It’s time to let the presidential primary candidates know that Poker Is Not a Crime!
” Read the rest of this entry »

Texas Holdem is played with a standard deck of 52 cards without jokers. When the small blind and the big blind are posted, each player is dealt with two cards face down (frequently referred to as “pocket cards”). Pocket cards are the only individual cards in the game – the rest of cards dealt throughout the game are shared by all players and are frequently called “community cards”. Pocket cards are only revealed at the showdown, unless a player folds.

The first betting round (preflop) begins with a player sitting to the left of the big blind, unless no blinds are used (in this case the game starts with a player sitting to the left of the dealer button). Note that all poker games including Texas Holdem are played clockwise. During the first betting round all players must either fold, call the big blind (unless you posted one of the blinds – if you have posted the big blind, which is considered a bet – you can check or raise and if you have posted the small blind than you will either have to call a half of the big blind, or raise) or raise bets made by someone sitting earlier than you. Read the rest of this entry »