This is the practical version for a friendly home table. Before your game, agree the stakes, betting format, and any house rules so every player knows what to expect.
How a Texas Hold'em hand starts
The player left of the dealer posts the small blind. The next player posts the big blind. Each player receives two private cards, called hole cards. The first betting round starts with the player left of the big blind.
The four betting rounds
Each player receives two private hole cards. No community cards on the board yet. First betting begins with the player left of the Big Blind.
Three shared community cards are dealt face up in the center. Second betting round begins with the first active player left of the button.
A fourth shared community card is dealt face up. Third round of betting with unchanged player order.
The fifth and final community card is revealed. Final betting round, followed by showdown if two or more players remain.
Your options when it is your turn
Tap each action button below to preview what happens on the table, the chip movement, and the physical table gesture:
Check
Cost: 0 chipsStay in the hand without committing more chips. You pass action to the next player while retaining your cards and full right to contest the pot.
Poker hand rankings
At showdown, each player makes the strongest five-card hand possible from their two hole cards and the five community cards (using both, one, or none). Hands rank from Royal Flush down to High Card, and suits never break ties.
For the complete official hierarchy with hand examples and kicker rules, see our dedicated Poker Hand Rankings Chart. To settle a live showdown at the table, use the Poker Hand Evaluator.
Showdown, ties, and side pots
If more than one player remains after the river, the best hand wins the pot. Equal hands split it. If one player is all-in for less than others, they can win only the pot they matched; further betting creates side pots for the players who contributed to them. Our Side Pot Calculator breaks those layers down.
Keep the cards real and the chip handling simple. AirChips lets a live table share stacks, bets, pots, and side pots without physical poker chips.
Texas Hold'em FAQ
How many cards do you get in Texas Hold'em?
Each player gets two private hole cards. Five community cards are dealt face-up in the middle, and each player makes the best five-card hand from all seven available cards.
Do you have to use both hole cards in Texas Hold'em?
No. You can use both hole cards, one hole card, or no hole cards if the five community cards already make your best hand.
What happens if everyone folds?
The last remaining player wins the pot without showing their cards. The dealer button moves one seat and a new hand begins.