Poker Guide
Learn Texas Hold'em poker - the world's most popular poker variant. Master hand rankings, betting rounds, and basic strategy.
Updated: January 2025
Key Concepts
Skill Game
Unlike slots, poker rewards skill. Good players consistently beat bad players over time.
Position Matters
Acting last is a huge advantage. You see what opponents do before deciding.
Incomplete Information
You can't see opponents' cards. Success comes from deduction and probability.
Long-Term Thinking
One hand means nothing. Make correct decisions and results follow over time.
Hand Rankings (Best to Worst)
Memorize these! The player with the best 5-card hand wins.
| Rank | Hand | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Royal Flush | A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠ | Ace-high straight flush |
| #2 | Straight Flush | 9♥ 8♥ 7♥ 6♥ 5♥ | Five consecutive same-suit cards |
| #3 | Four of a Kind | K♠ K♥ K♦ K♣ 7♠ | Four cards of same rank |
| #4 | Full House | Q♠ Q♥ Q♦ 9♣ 9♠ | Three of a kind + pair |
| #5 | Flush | A♦ J♦ 8♦ 6♦ 3♦ | Five same-suit cards |
| #6 | Straight | 10♠ 9♥ 8♦ 7♣ 6♠ | Five consecutive cards |
| #7 | Three of a Kind | 7♠ 7♥ 7♦ K♣ 2♠ | Three cards of same rank |
| #8 | Two Pair | J♠ J♥ 5♦ 5♣ A♠ | Two different pairs |
| #9 | One Pair | 10♠ 10♥ A♦ 8♣ 4♠ | Two cards of same rank |
| #10 | High Card | A♠ J♥ 8♦ 5♣ 2♠ | Highest card wins |
How Texas Hold'em Works
Blinds
Two players post forced bets (small blind and big blind) to create action.
Hole Cards
Each player receives 2 private cards face down. Only you can see them.
Pre-Flop
First betting round. Players can fold, call the big blind, or raise.
The Flop
3 community cards dealt face up. Second betting round begins.
The Turn
4th community card dealt. Third betting round.
The River
5th and final community card. Final betting round.
Showdown
Remaining players reveal cards. Best 5-card hand wins the pot.
Starting Hand Guide
What to do before the flop based on your two cards.
Premium
AA, KK, QQ, AKs
Always raise/re-raise
Strong
JJ, 10-10, AQs, AKo, AQo
Raise, call 3-bet with position
Playable
99, 88, AJs, KQs, AJo
Raise in position, call in late
Speculative
77-22, Suited connectors
Call in position, cheap to see flop
Fold
Unsuited low cards, weak aces
Fold pre-flop
s = suited (same suit), o = offsuit (different suits)
Suited hands are stronger because they can make flushes.
Understanding Position
Early Position
UTG, UTG+1
Worst PositionPlay only premium hands. You act first with no information.
Middle Position
MP, Hijack
NeutralCan play more hands. Some players have acted.
Late Position
Cutoff, Button
Best PositionPlay widest range. You see everyone act before you decide.
Blinds
SB, BB
Forced BetAlready invested but act last pre-flop, first post-flop.
Basic Strategy Tips
Play Tight Early
As a beginner, play fewer hands but play them aggressively. Only enter pots with strong cards.
Position, Position, Position
Play more hands in late position, fewer in early. The button is the most profitable seat.
Bet for Value
When you have a strong hand, bet to get called by worse hands. Don't slow-play too much.
Don't Chase Draws
Only chase draws when the pot odds justify it. Calling without odds is a common beginner leak.
Pay Attention
Watch opponents' betting patterns. Do they bet big with strong hands? Check-raise bluffers?
Manage Your Bankroll
Never play with money you can't afford to lose. Use proper bankroll management (20+ buy-ins).
Poker at Online Casinos
Video Poker
Slot-like game where you play against the machine. Draw poker format - you're dealt 5 cards and can discard/redraw.
- House game (no opponents)
- RTP: 95-99%+ with perfect strategy
- Best for: Solo play, low stakes
Casino Hold'em
Table game where you play against the dealer, not other players. Similar to Texas Hold'em rules.
- House game (dealer is opponent)
- House edge: ~2.16%
- Best for: Casual poker fans
Live Poker Rooms
Player-vs-player poker. The casino takes a rake (percentage of pot). Real skill-based gambling.
- Skill-based (player vs player)
- Rake: 2.5-5% of pot
- Best for: Serious players
Play Poker in Bangladesh
Takaboss
Offers video poker and casino poker games with competitive house edges.
- Video poker variants
- Casino Hold'em
- Low minimum bets
- Under 5-minute withdrawals
Poker FAQ
What is the best starting hand in poker?
Pocket Aces (AA) is the best starting hand in Texas Hold'em, winning about 85% against a random hand. Pocket Kings (KK) and Queens (QQ) are the next best. However, even AA can lose - poker is about making good decisions over time, not winning every hand.
What does "position" mean in poker?
Position refers to where you sit relative to the dealer button. Late position (dealer, cutoff) is best because you act last and see others' actions before deciding. Early position is disadvantageous. Position is one of the most important concepts in poker.
What is a "poker tell"?
A tell is a behavior that reveals information about a player's hand. In live poker, this might be physical (shaking hands, breathing changes). Online, it's timing tells (quick calls often mean draws) or bet sizing patterns. Tells are less reliable than fundamental strategy.
How do I calculate pot odds?
Pot odds = current pot size / cost to call. Example: pot is ৳1,000, opponent bets ৳500, you need to call ৳500 to win ৳1,500. Pot odds are 1,500:500 = 3:1. If your chance of winning is better than 1 in 4 (25%), calling is profitable.
What is Texas Hold'em vs Omaha?
Texas Hold'em: You get 2 cards, use any combination with 5 community cards. Omaha: You get 4 cards but MUST use exactly 2 from your hand and 3 from the board. Omaha creates bigger hands and more action but is more complex.
Can I play poker at online casinos?
Yes. Casinos offer Video Poker (slot-like, play against the house), Casino Hold'em (table game vs dealer), and sometimes player-vs-player poker rooms. At Takaboss, you can find casino poker games with competitive house edges.