With the addition of table games to Oklahoma’s casinos, you can experience the excitement of Las Vegas right at home.  You can try your hand at Blackjack or sit in on a poker game.

Without a doubt, the game taking the nation by storm is Texas Hold ‘Em.  Whether you want to try your hand at the casino or just want to learn the language of this hot game—our guide will have you looking like a pro!

Overview
Players each receive two cards dealt face down—these are called the hole cards.  During a series of betting, the dealer will place five cards down the center of the table—these are called community cards.  Each player uses his hole cards, in combination with the community cards, to build the strongest five-card poker hand.  The strongest hand wins the pot!

Bets
With the exception of No Limit Hold’ Em, the sizes of the bets and raises are determined by the rules of that particular game. In the first two rounds of play all bets and raises are equal to the minimum bet.  During the last two rounds bets and raises are limited to the maximum bet, typically double the minimum. For example:  a $3–6 table your minimum bet is $3 and your maximum raise is $6.  Betting is also limited to no more than three raises per round.

Ante Up
The first player to the dealer’s left antes one half of the minimum bet (in our game, $1.50) with the player to his left anteing (putting in the pot) an amount equal to the minimum bet ($3).  Antes proceed clockwise around the table with each ensuing game, ensuring there is always some money in the pot.

After players have received their initial two cards the round of betting begins, clockwise from the player who made the first ante. Players may then bet the minimum ($3), fold (give up), check (do nothing), or raise the minimum bet, depending on the strength of their two cards. Checked players must then see (meet) the bets in order to stay in the game.

After this round of betting is completed the dealer buries (discards) the top card from the remainder of the deck and deals three cards face up on the table.  This is known as the flop. These are community cards used by all players. A second round of betting then begins.

When the second round is completed, the dealer again buries the top card and deals a fourth community card face up known as 4th Street or the Turn.  Remaining players bet, raise, check, or fold, with bets and raises limited to the maximum for the table.

The final round of betting begins when the last card, 5th Street or the River, is dealt face up.  The winner of the game is the player with the highest five-card hand constructed with any (or none) of his two hole cards in combination with any of the five community cards.  If the five community cards are the best hand he would elect to “play the board,” usually resulting in a split pot.  Now you’re ready to hit the tables — good luck!