The button and blinds

A dealer button marks the nominal dealer position and moves one seat clockwise after every hand. The two players to its left post the small blind and big blind, creating action before cards are dealt.

Two hole cards

Each player receives two cards face down. These are your private hole cards. Protect them and do not reveal them while the hand is live.

Preflop action

The first betting round begins with the player to the left of the big blind. Players may fold, call the current bet, or raise. Action continues clockwise until all remaining players have matched the final wager.

The flop

The dealer places three community cards face up in the center. A new betting round begins with the first active player to the left of the button. Players may check when no bet has been made, or bet, call, raise, and fold as the action develops.

The turn and river

A fourth community card—the turn—is dealt, followed by another betting round. Then the fifth and final community card—the river—is dealt, followed by the final betting round.

The showdown

If two or more players remain after the final betting round, hands are tabled and the best five-card hand wins the pot. You may use both, one, or none of your hole cards. Cards speak for themselves, and the dealer will read the winning hand.

Hand rankings, highest to lowest

1. Royal flush
2. Straight flush
3. Four of a kind
4. Full house
5. Flush
6. Straight
7. Three of a kind
8. Two pair
9. One pair
10. High card

Your options in one sentence

Check when no bet is facing you, bet to create a wager, call to match a wager, raise to increase it, or fold to give up the hand. Follow the dealer, act in turn, and the flow will become natural quickly.

Join the list before taking a seat

Check in with the club or join the available list before sitting down. When your seat is ready, staff will direct you to the correct table and explain the buy-in range and any game-specific procedures.

Protect your hand

Your cards are your responsibility. Keep them on the table, in clear view, and close enough that they cannot be mistaken for a folded hand. A chip placed gently on top of your cards is a common way to protect them without hiding them.

Act in turn

Watch the action and wait until it reaches you. Acting early can reveal information and affect another player’s decision. If you are unsure whether it is your turn, ask the dealer.

Make your action clear

Verbal declarations may be binding. Say “call,” “raise,” or the full amount before moving chips when clarity matters. Avoid string betting—placing out part of a raise and then reaching back for more chips without first announcing the raise.

Keep chips visible and countable

Keep higher-denomination chips easy for the table to see. Neat stacks help opponents estimate your stack and keep the game moving. Do not remove chips from the table during play.

One player to a hand

Do not discuss strategy, reveal folded cards, or react in a way that gives information while a hand is still live. Phones and headphones should never slow the action or be used for assistance during a hand.

Show respect at showdown

Table your cards clearly when showing a hand and let the dealer read the winner. Cards speak for themselves. Win without gloating, lose without blaming the dealer or another player, and keep comments about another player’s decisions friendly.

When in doubt, ask

Dealers and floor staff are there to help. Asking a quick question is always better than guessing. Protect your hand, act in turn, and treat the room with respect—you will be comfortable in no time.