Here it is - Texas Hold'em, the Cadillac of Poker. If you watch any TV, follow any trendy fad, or use the internet (that's how you got here, buddy)... then you've probably heard of Texas Hold'em.

With that said, I plan on spending the least amount of time covering this game. Below are the basic rules to play, the two major variations (Limit and No Limit), and some simple strategy for each.

Limit Texas Hold'em:

There are basically two types of Limit Texas Hold'em, Pot Limit and Table Limit.

Pot Limit Texas Hold'em is actually quite simple. The minimum bet is the table minimum, and the maximum raise is the total amount in the pot at that moment. It's really more of a paced No Limit game than a Limit version, but because of the pace, the strategy is more consistent with Limit Hold'em.

Table Limit exists for casinos and home with people who don't want to lose all of their money on one hand of poker. They do so by setting an exact amount to bet/raise at any time. Tables have names that resemble fractions like 2/4, 3/6, 5/10, and so on. These numbers represent the betting for the game, the first number represents the betting increments in the first two rounds, and the second number delegates the final two rounds... but this is better illustrated by example than defined.

At a 3/6 Table, the 3 stands for the Big Blind, and the first two rounds of betting. Small Blind is typically half this amount, or rounded up or down depending on casino. Players may call the 3, fold, or raise 3 more. The next player may raise 3 more, and so on, capping after the 4th raise. So, in the first round, the Big Blind opens for 3, and raises of 3 more may bring the call to 6, then 9, and then cap at 12. Of course, if everyone just calls the Big Blind, he still has the option to raise.

Similarly, the second round opens for 3, raises 3 more to 6, then to 9, and caps at 12.

The third and fourth rounds (Turn and River) follow the same guidelines but with the higher amount. In this case, to open the bet would be 6, and raises of 6 more bring the total to 12, then 18, and capping at 24.

The total cost for one hand if capped from start to finish, which rarely happens, is 72 (12+12+24+24).

Thoughts On Strategy:

I haven't written a book, but here is my opinion:

• Only call a bet if you are prepared to call double that. When limits are set, a raise/re-raise can become common for players to get the pot going.
• Bluffing is a mistake. Medium pairs and open-ended straights will often call, since they only need to call your limited bet.
• Semi-Bluffing is still a good idea. Because the smallest possible bet is also the largest possible bet, betting with your medium hand could talk other medium hands right out of the pot. Of note: You'll hear more players talk about throwing away winners here than No Limit because it's much easier to regret folding a $3 call than folding an All-In call or even $10-20 more than the table minimum.
• Call the Flop whenever you can. Although you can often fold for free, one call can let you play 3 more cards. The strength of a hand is much more evident after 5 cards than it is after 2.
• Be prepared to lose some great starts. You will see A-A fall more here than any other game because you're bet is limited and therefore less intimidating to call.

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