Training Example: PokerStars – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

Download PokerStars Play in BrowserFirst time depositors only. Min. deposit £10 with code 'STARS400'. No withdrawal during bonus period. Terms Apply. 18+ BeGambleAware.org. Please play responsibly.
[H2] Welcome offers
Make sure to use our available welcome offers when you register!
[IMG: First Deposit Bonus]
[H1] The home of online poker
Download. Register. Play.
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[H2] Safe & secure
We pride ourselves on putting our players’ safety and security first.
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[H3] Quick Withdrawals
Easy access to your funds at any time.
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[H3] Player Protection
We hold players’ funds in segregated accounts, so that your money is always safe.
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[H3] Deposit limits
Manage your budget when playing online with our player-friendly tools.
[IMG: Licensed and regulated]
[H3] Fully licensed and regulated
The Stars Group is one of the most licensed online gaming companies in the world.
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[H2] How to play
If you’re new to online poker, we’re here to help you learn. From hand rankings to basic rules and strategies, find everything you need to get started.
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Find out more
[H2] The games you want
PokerStars is home to the most exciting poker games.
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No Limit Hold'em
[IMG: Tournaments]
Hold'em tournaments
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Cash games
[H2] Community
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[H3] Explore poker on Twitch
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[H3] Meet our Ambassadors
We are poker.Any game. Any time. Anywhere.Download PokerStars
[H2] Online Poker Games at PokerStars
Welcome to PokerStars – the home of online poker. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn, or a seasoned player on the hunt for major titles, our platform offers everything you need to enjoy the world’s favorite card game safely and securely.
[H3] Iconic Online Tournament Series
Experience the thrill of competing in the most prestigious online poker tournaments on the planet. PokerStars is home to the most anticipated series in online poker, WCOOP and SCOOP, where champions are made and huge prize pools are up for grabs. You don’t have to wait for a major series though; every day of the week we offer big guarantees across a wide variety of poker tournaments.
[H3] All the Games You Love
From Texas Hold’em to Omaha, PokerStars not only offers a huge selection of game variants, but there are also plenty of different tournament formats and buy-in levels to choose from too. Which means whatever your style, there’s always a poker game for you. If you’re in the mood for something fast-paced, then head to our Zoom tables, as soon as you fold, you’re moved to a new table and immediately dealt a new hand.
[H3] Trusted by Millions
For over two decades, millions of players have made PokerStars their destination for online poker. Our platform is fully licensed and regulated, which means the games we offer are fair and can be trusted by our players. If you’re a new player and wanting to join the community, check to see if you’re eligible to claim a poker bonus as a Welcome Offer.
[H3] Master the Game
If you’re new to poker, or just looking to refine your skills, our How To Play Poker section has an abundance of material to help you. Learn the fundamentals like the hierarchy of poker hands, or go more in-depth by learning the rules of all our available poker games. PokerStars offers you everything you need to grow from a beginner to a confident player.
[H3] Level Up With Play Money
Our Play Money tables are a great place to learn how the game is played and play poker for free. You can get familiar with the gameplay and product, without having to put your own money at stake, until you feel ready for the real money tables. Even if you’re an experienced player, Play Money can still be a fun option to get some time at the table.
[H3] Play Responsibly
Poker should always be enjoyable. That’s why we provide responsible gaming tools and resources to help players stay in control. We recommend setting deposit limits and if playing stops being fun, then take a break. We’re committed to providing a safe environment for our players.
[H2] Frequently Asked Questions About Playing Poker Online
[H3] Is online poker legal in the UK?
Yes, online poker is legal in the UK, provided you play with an operator, like PokerStars, that is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This regulation helps to ensure, amongst other things, that:Games are fair and independently tested to industry standards.Player funds are protected and held in segregated accounts.Responsible gaming tools are available to help players stay safe.Rules on age verification are adhered to.
[H3] Is online poker safe and fair?
Yes, playing online poker should be safe and fair, if you play at a site that is fully licensed. Licensed sites are tested and audited to ensure fairness. Maintaining the security and integrity of the games should be a top priority, like it is at PokerStars. That’s why an independently verified random number generator is used to produce a random shuffle.PokerStars has one of the most advanced random number generators, which uses a ground-breaking system based on quantum theory.Alongside cutting-edge technology, teams of game integrity experts ensure no player gains an unfair advantage at the tables.
[H3] How do poker tournaments work?
Players buy in to a poker tournament, receive a stack of chips, and compete with fellow players for glory and a share of the prize pool.Usually, a tournament ends when one player has all the chips. They win the biggest share of the prize pool. Tournament prize pools vary in size, reaching massive amounts in major online series like SCOOP and WCOOP at PokerStars.Blinds and/or antes gradually increase, forcing action and preventing players from stalling.The majority of the tournament buy-in contributes towards the prize pool, while a small portion covers the tournament fee.Tournaments differ from cash games where players can leave when they want and play with chips that represent real money at the table.
[H3] Can you play poker on mobile?
Yes, you can play poker on mobile with most trusted sites. Games are optimized to look great whether you want to play on desktop or on your mobile device.Most mobile poker apps, including PokerStars, are available for iOS and Android.Mobile poker gives you the chance to play your favorite poker games on the go.Choose from a wide variety of cash games and tournaments. There’s always a game running.Enjoy the flexibility of jumping into a quick game even when you’re away from your computer.
[H3] What are the poker hand rankings?
The standard poker hand rankings start with the unbeatable Royal Flush at the top and descend to the weakest, the High Card.
Top tier: 1. Royal Flush, 2. Straight Flush, 3. Four of a Kind, 4. Full House
Strong hands: 5. Flush, 6. Straight, 7. Three of a Kind, 8. Two Pair
Lower ranks: 9. One Pair, 10. High Card
For a detailed breakdown, visit our complete poker hand rankings guide.
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[H1] Responsible Gaming
At PokerStars we strive to assist and protect players who are at risk of the potential negative effects of gambling.Through a number of means, including self-exclusion tools, guidance on responsible gaming, risk identification and player verification we are helping customers keep in control of their gaming so they can enjoy playing.We believe in educating our players to empower them through knowledge, which is why we have a number of helpful tools to ensure that playing time is always enjoyable.What we can do to help youAge verificationNet Deposit LimitSelf-exclusionWhat you can do to help yourselfSetting limitsNeed help, advice or counselling
[H2] What we can do to help you
[H3] Age verification
Any underage player who has provided dishonest or inaccurate information regarding their true age may have all winnings forfeited and could face criminal prosecution.
Every person signing up for a new account must check a box that indicates that they are at least 18 years of age. This notifies everybody that we don’t accept players under 18.
When a player creates an account with us, we collect their name, address, and birth date to confirm that the player is at least 18 years old.
We do not target underage players with our marketing and advertising. It is neither good business nor consistent with our personal and corporate values to attract underage players.
MoreIf you have children or teenagers in your household, take extra care to secure your computer and mobile devices.All Windows computers can be set up to have password control so that you must enter a password to get to the desktop, and mobile devices can be set up to require a passcode to unlock. In general, this is a good practice, but it’s even more important when there are children or teenagers in your household. Also, keep your username and password private. You can elect to have the software not remember your password each time you log-in. If you have any concern that somebody else might attempt to access your Stars Account, you should not allow the software to remember your password.If you have children or teenagers in your household, use protection software that allows you to limit the websites to which they have access, prevent file sharing, and generally give you detailed control over how your children use the Internet. Here is a list of some of those programs:SafeKidsNetNannyIf you are aware of an underage person using our platform, let us know. Simply visit our Help Center and we will get right on it. Our first step is to investigate, and if warranted, freeze the player’s account and request identification from that player. We take these reports seriously.Be a responsible parent. In many ways, this is nothing more than keeping your eyes and ears open. If you hear your children talking about online gambling accounts, deposits, and withdrawals, start asking questions. If you see the software on your child's computer, uninstall it and ask more questions. A responsible parent is the best start to preventing underage gaming. You can find advice on how to talk to a young person about gambling here.
[H3] Net Deposit Limit
The Net Deposit Limit runs from the 1st to the end of each month and it automatically resets every month.All your transactions contribute towards your net deposit limit throughout the month. Every time you withdraw, deposit or transfer money, it will update to reflect this.We've set it based on affordability calculations by age group. We didn't personalize this limit for each of our players:Age groupDailyMonthlyUnder 25 years old £250 £500 Over 25 and within the first 30 days after receiving real money approval £1,000 £5,000 All remaining players over 25 £5,000 -
[H4] Changing your Net Deposit Limit
If you're over 25 years old, contact us. We'll help you change your Net Deposit Limit. Please visit our Help Center to find out ways to contact us with your request.If you're between 18 and 24, you can't change your Net Deposit Limit. You can check your limit's progression in your account here: Responsible Gaming > Net Deposit Limit
[H3] Self-exclusion
We provide you with the ability to exclude yourself from playing for various periods of time.
To do this, go to the main lobby of the desktop software, select ‘More’ > ‘Tools’ > ‘Responsible Gaming’ > ‘Exclude me from playing’ i. On mobile, go to ‘Account’ > ‘Responsible Gaming Settings’. On the website, login then go to ‘Account’ > ‘Responsible Gaming’.
Self-exclude your Stars Account (Desktop or Mobile)
Self-exclude your Stars Account (Website)
Alternatively, you can contact us via our Help Center and we will process your self-exclusion request.
If we can identify that you have an account with tombola, Paddy Power, Betfair, PokerStars, and Sky Betting & Gaming (which includes Sky Bet, Sky Vegas, Sky Bingo, Sky Casino, and Sky Poker), your self-exclusion will apply to them, too. We will do all we reasonably can to prevent you from setting up new accounts and gambling and you’ll also be unable to undo your self-exclusion once it’s started.
If you wish to self-exclude from all online gambling activity, consider downloading gamban®, software that helps you by blocking access to all online gambling.

[H3] GAMSTOP
If you are considering to self-exclude, you may wish to register with GAMSTOP.GAMSTOP is a free service that enables you to self-exclude from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain.To find out more and to sign up with GAMSTOP please visit www.gamstop.co.uk.You may also wish to investigate GamBlock, a software application that limits a computer’s access to online gaming sites.Please note that all time-out periods and self-exclusions are irreversible for the duration of the specified time. In addition, all periods are inclusive of all games. Your self-exclusion will apply to your Stars Account, and to any product that requires your username to play, and covers both real money and play money activity.MoreIf you want to block yourself from a particular game, go to the main lobby of the desktop software, select ‘More’ > ‘Tools’ > ‘Responsible Gaming’ > ‘Restrict Table Limit’ i and set your limit to ‘Don’t play’.We offer time-out periods lasting anything from 24-hours up to 42-days. You will not be able to play any games that we offer for real money or play money on our software. Once you click the button that requests a time out or a self-exclusion period, you will be asked to close all tables at which you're playing. You will be automatically unregistered from any online tournament that begins during the time out and self-exclusion period, with your buy-in refunded per our normal policy. If you are still playing when the self-exclusion period begins, you will not be forced to close the software, but will receive a pop-up asking you to do so – the exclusion period will begin once the software is closed. You will be able to login and access the Cashier, but you will not be able to play, deposit or make inter-account transfers with your Stars Account. If you have won a seat in a live, brick-and-mortar tournament that begins during the exclusion period, you will still be able to play it. You will not receive any marketing emails or newsletters from us.We offer 6-month and up to 5-year self-exclusion periods. Once the minimum self-exclusion period has expired, the exclusion will remain in place until a request is received from you, instructing us to reactivate your account. If you want to return to playing after a self-exclusion period has passed, you can visit our Help Center to find out how.Self-exclusion during tournaments:Players who self-exclude themselves during a tournament will still be able to complete any tournament already in progress in which they are playing.Multi-Day Tournaments: Players who request to be self-excluded from playing during a ‘qualifying for Day 2’ of a ‘Multi-Day Tournament’ will still be able to play in that tournament on any subsequent day of that tournament, even after their period of self-exclusion begins. Players who choose not to play on subsequent days will receive no compensation.Phased Tournaments: Players who request to be self-excluded from playing during a phased tournament will not be able to complete the next phase of the tournament. Make sure you can play the tournament in its entirety before entering the first phase.Please also note that if you win any prizes resulting from any offer that may have started prior to your self-exclusion (i.e. automatic drawings to live events, or live activities), they may be forfeited.Permanent account closure. To request a permanent account closure due to gambling related concerns, please visit our Help Center to find out ways to contact us so we may advise accordingly and provide appropriate assistance.If any available Free Spin or Bonus expires within the self-exclusion period, it can no longer be used. All Free Spins and Bonuses have an expiration date. You can check this by going to ‘My Rewards’ > ‘Free Spins’ or ‘Bonuses’.Customers who self-exclude themselves when they still have an open bet will have the bet settled as normal.
[H2] What you can do to help yourself
[H3] Identify and reduce the risks
If you choose to play online, there are some general guidelines that can help make your playing experience safer, and reduce the risk of problems occurring:
Play for entertainment, and not as a way of making money.
Play with money that you can afford to lose. Never use money that you need for important things such as food, rent, bills, or tuition.
Set deposit limits and ensure you never deposit more than you can afford to lose.
Never chase losses. If you lose money, don't play higher stakes to try and recoup your losses.
Don't play when you are upset, tired, or depressed. It is difficult to make good decisions when you are feeling down.
Balance your playing with other activities. Find other forms of entertainment so playing does not become too big a part of your life.
If you believe that playing games might be a hindrance to your life rather than a form of entertainment, we want to help you. First, please review the following questions:
Have you ever taken time from your major daily obligations because of playing?
Has playing caused you to neglect your own welfare or that of your family?
Have you ever sold anything or borrowed money to finance your playing?
Have you often played until your last cash was gone?
Have you ever played longer than you had planned?
Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your playing?
If you answered “Yes” to several of these questions, we encourage you to visit Gamblers Anonymous.You can take the test in its entirety at the following website:www.gamblingtherapy.org/information/do-i-have-a-gambling-problemLimiting gambling ads on social mediaTo find out how you can limit gambling ads on some of the most popular social media platforms, please visit GambleAware.Ask your bank if they offer a game block serviceFor a list of financial services organisations in the UK that currently offer gambling blocks on debit cards see here.MoreThere are risk factors that can contribute to the development of gambling issues and make it more difficult to stop gambling. Players can be more at risk if they:
Have easy access to their preferred form of gambling
Hold mistaken beliefs about the odds of winning (see “Common Myths about Compulsive Gambling” below)
Do not take precautions to monitor gambling wins and losses
Have an early big win (leading to false expectation of future wins)
Have had a recent loss or change in their personal life, such as divorce, job loss, retirement, or death of a loved one
Often feel bored or lonely, or have a history of risk-taking or impulsive behavior
Have financial problems
Have a history of mental health problems, particularly depression and anxiety
Have a parent who also has (or has had) problems with gambling or other compulsive disorders
Have (or have had) problems with alcohol or other drugs, or overspending
The more factors that apply, the more likely a person is to develop a gambling problem.
If you are finding it hard to stop gambling, or if you’re already suffering from consequences related to your gambling behavior, it may be time to get help.
[H3] Setting limits
We offer you the option to set different Responsible Gaming limits to help you play responsibly. You can set these limits by following these instructions, depending on how you are accessing our services:WebsiteLog in and go to ‘Account’ > ‘Responsible Gaming’Desktop ClientLog in and select ‘More’ > ‘Tools’ > ‘Responsible Gaming’ iMobile AppAfter logging in go to ‘Account’ > ‘Responsible Gaming Settings’Set limits on your real money deposits and purchases
We believe that you should be allowed to manage your own budget for playing online. We allow you to restrict your own daily, weekly and monthly real money deposit limits. Of course, those limits may be no higher than the ones we already have for your account. When customer sets a daily deposit limit and a weekly limit, the lowest limit should always apply.
Set deposit limits (Desktop or Mobile)
Set deposit limits (Website)Set casino session remindersYou have the option to get a reminder of how long you have been active while playing casino games. This is a great way to take needed breaks and keep track of the time you spend playing.Set casino session reminder (Desktop or Mobile)Set casino session reminder (Website)Restricting cash game table limits, tournament limits, casino games, and sports bettingSetting table limits and poker tournament limits provides individual players with an opportunity to control their spending by limiting themselves from playing certain table limit stakes, as well as tournament buy in limits.Set game limits (Desktop or Mobile)Set game limits (Website)You can also block yourself from individual casino games using the same menu located in ‘Tools’. There is also the option to block yourself from sports betting within this menu.
And you can also login to your account through our website. From the ‘Account’ menu, you can access our responsible gaming tools.
If you want any restriction in place permanently or for a designated time, please visit our Help Center to find out ways to contact us with your request.
[H3] Your Account and Transaction Information
We encourage all our players to be aware of the information available in their account. There are three key areas where you can learn about your transactions and gameplay. This knowledge contributes to a safer gambling experience.
Transaction History
Through the links below you can view your deposit, withdrawal and player to player transfer history.
Go to Transaction History (Desktop or Mobile)
Go to Transaction History (Website)Total Net DepositsHere you can access a running total of all your deposits minus the sum of your withdrawals.See your Total Net Deposits (Desktop or Mobile)S

[H1] Poker Games
At PokerStars, you can enjoy all your favorite poker games with thousands of other players – 24/7. Meaning you can always find full tables, in any game, at just about any limit you want to play.We offer a huge variety of online poker games. So you’re sure to find an exciting game of poker, whether you’re a lover of Hold’em, Stud, Draw and more.And if you’re new to a game, we’ll tell you all you need to know to get started. Click 'Read more' on any of the games below for detailed information on rules and how to play.And don’t forget: however experienced you are, our free Poker School can always help you learn, practice and improve.
[H2] Texas Hold’em
Available in limit, pot limit and no limit action, Texas Hold'em is the game that our World Series main event champion Chris Moneymaker was playing when he won the crown. By far the most popular game in today's poker world, we have hundreds of ring game tables running right now as well as hundreds of tournaments every week.Read more
[H2] 6+ Hold'em
6+ Hold’em is a popular 'short deck' poker format like Texas Hold’em, but with a few exciting differences. All cards lower than a 6 are removed from the deck and everyone posts an ante while only the button posts a blind. In 6+ Hold’em, a flush beats a full-house and Ace, 6, 7, 8, 9 is a straight.Read more
[H2] Showtime Hold’em
Showtime Hold’em plays almost identically to Texas Hold’em, with the exception that every card folded by any player remains face-up and visible for the rest of the hand. This includes all cards folded before and after the flop.Read more
[H2] Omaha High
Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em in some ways, but the players receive four hole cards, and the hand must consist of exactly two cards from the player’s hole cards and exactly three cards from the board. (In Texas Hold’em the hands can consist of any combination of board and hole cards.)
Omaha High is a popular variation of poker in Europe, especially in pot limit. PokerStars offers Omaha in both limit and pot limit for all of our players around the world.Read more
[H2] Omaha Hi/Lo
Omaha Hi/Lo, or Omaha Eight (played with an ‘eight or better’ qualifier for low), is offered in limit, pot limit and no limit action.Read more
[H2] Swap Hold’em
Swap Hold'em is an exciting twist on the world’s favorite poker game, Texas Hold’em. On their turn to act, at any point in the hand, any player may swap one or both of their hole cards for new ones, for free, once per hand.Read more
[H2] Split Hold’em
Split Hold’em is a novel twist on the classic and wildly popular game of Texas Hold’em. What makes Split Hold’em different is that two separate boards are dealt simultaneously – two flops, two turns and two rivers – with the winner of each board receiving half the pot.Read more
[H2] 5 Card Omaha and 5 Card Omaha Hi/Lo
5 Card Omaha and 5 Card Omaha Hi/Lo are similar in some ways to regular Omaha games, but with a fifth hole card dealt to each player pre-flop. 5 Card Omaha games are available at Pot Limit and No Limit tables, while Hi/Lo games can be played at Limit, Pot Limit and No Limit tables.Read more
[H2] 6 Card Omaha
6 Card Omaha is like regular Omaha games, but with six hole cards dealt to each player pre-flop. 6 Card Omaha games are available at Pot Limit tables.Read more
[H2] Courchevel and Courchevel Hi/Lo
Courchevel is an exciting form of 5 Card Omaha, where the first flop card is dealt face up at the beginning of the hand. Courchevel Hi/Lo is a popular split pot form of Omaha poker, where each player is dealt five cards pre-flop. You can play Courchevel and Courchevel Hi/Lo at Limit, Pot Limit and No Limit tables on PokerStars.Read more
[H2] Seven Card Stud
Until the surge in popularity of Texas Hold’em, Seven Card Stud was the most popular poker game. You can still find plenty of options at the Seven Card Stud tables at PokerStars, available in a wide range of limits.Read more
[H2] Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo
The split pot version of Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo offers a twist to this classic game. Available in limit action, if you like Seven Card Stud or Omaha Hi/Lo, look into the Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo tables.Read more
[H2] Razz (7 Card Stud Low)
If you think you can never make a hand, Razz is the game for you. This version of seven-card lowball allows you to shoot for the absolute worst five-card hand and still win.Read more
[H2] HORSE & 8-Game Mix (Mixed games)
HORSE (Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Eight-or- Better) is the collection of games that allows you to prove how well-rounded a poker player you are. If you get bored playing one game all the time, try out HORSE to round out your skills. We also offer 8-Game Mix, which is the same rotation as HORSE, but also includes rounds of No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha and 2-7 Triple Draw.Read more
[H2] Five Card Draw
Five Card Draw is the game most people grew up playing around their kitchen table. This classic game will get you back to your poker roots and maybe make you some money in the process.Read more
[H2] 2-7 Triple Draw & 2-7 Single Draw
Deuce to Seven Triple Draw and Deuce to Seven Single Draw are lowball games that force you to make the worst possible low hand. 2-7 games have different rules for reading the hands, so you should review the rules before playing.Read more
[H2] Badugi
Badugi is a form of draw poker, where the object of the game is to make the best low hand of different suits from the four cards you are dealt. Badugi has some interesting rules that are different from other poker games, so you should review the rules before playing.Read more
[H2] Fusion
This format mixes elements of Texas Hold'em and Omaha. Start with two hole cards and receive more as the hand continues. If you play through to the river, you’ll have four hole cards and five community cards from which to make your best five-card hand.Read more
[H2] All-In Poker
All-In Poker is based on Texas Hold’em rules, but as the name suggests, players have just two options pre-flop: all-in or fold. It’s an exciting poker format that’s full of action and simple to learn.Read moreBe sure to check out our Poker Game Rules and Poker Hand Ranks if you have any questions about how any of the above poker games are played.

[H1] How to Play Texas Hold’em
Want to enjoy a game of Texas Hold’em poker? Here you will find key details about Texas Hold’em to help you learn the game including the rules, hands, different variants of this game type and more.
[H2] What is Texas Hold’em Poker?
Texas Hold’em poker is one of the most popular poker variants in the world. Despite its relative simplicity, Texas Hold’em has the potential to be played with a seemingly infinite variety of strategies and tactics.
You can find various ways to play Texas Hold’em through our online poker homepage.
[H2] The Rules of Texas Hold’em
To start playing Texas Hold’em games, it’s important to understand the basic rules:Every player is dealt two cards which only they will see (known as ‘hole cards’)The dealer spreads five cards (community cards) - three at once, then another, then another - these can be used by all players to make their best possible five-card handBefore and after each card(s) is revealed, players take turns to bet. To stay in the hand and see the next card, all players must have put the same amount of chips in the pot as each other (unless one player is already all-in)The best poker hand wins the pot. A player may use any combination of the seven cards available to make the best possible five-card poker hand, using zero, one or two of their private hole cards
[H3] The Blinds
In Hold'em, a marker called ‘the button’ or ‘the dealer button’ indicates which player is the dealer for the current game. Before the game begins, the player immediately clockwise from the button posts the "small blind", the first forced bet. The player immediately clockwise from the small blind posts the "big blind", which is typically twice the size of the small blind (blinds can vary depending on the stakes and betting structure being played).In Limit games, the big blind is the same as the small bet, and the small blind is typically half the size of the big blind (but may be larger depending on the stakes). For example, in a $2/$4 Limit game the small blind is $1 and the big blind is $2. In a $15/$30 Limit game, the small blind is $10 and the big blind is $15.In Pot Limit and No Limit games, the games are referred to by the size of their blinds (for example, a $1/$2 Hold’em game has a small blind of $1 and a big blind of $2).Depending on the exact structure of the game, each player may also be required to post an ‘ante’ (another type of forced bet, usually smaller than either blind, posted by all players at the table) into the pot.Now, each player receives their two hole cards. Betting action proceeds clockwise around the table, starting with the player ‘under the gun’ (immediately clockwise from the big blind).
[H3] Player Betting Options
In Hold'em, as with other forms of poker, the available actions are ‘fold’, ‘check’, ‘bet’, ‘call’ or ‘raise’. Exactly which options are available depends on the action taken by the previous players. If nobody has made a bet, then a player may either check (decline to bet, but keep their cards) or bet. If a player has bet, then subsequent players can fold, call or raise. To call is to match the amount the previous player has bet. To raise is to not only match the previous bet, but to also increase it.
[H3] Pre-Flop
After seeing their hole cards, each player now has the option to play his or her hand by calling or raising the big blind. The action begins to the left of the big blind, which is considered a ‘live’ bet on this round. That player has the option to fold, call or raise. For example, if the big blind was $2, it would cost $2 to call, or at least $4 to raise. Action then proceeds clockwise around the table.Note: The betting structure varies with different variations of the game. Explanations of the betting action in Limit Hold'em, No Limit Hold'em, and Pot Limit Hold'em can be found below.Betting continues on each betting round until all active players (who have not folded) have placed equal bets in the pot.
[H3] The Flop
Now, three cards are dealt face-up on the board. This is known as ‘the flop’. In Hold'em, the three cards on the flop are community cards, available to all players still in the hand. Betting on the flop begins with the active player immediately clockwise from the button. The betting options are similar to pre-flop, however if nobody has previously bet, players may check, passing the action to the next active player clockwise.
[H3] The Turn
When the betting action is completed for the flop round, the ‘turn’ is dealt face-up on the board. The turn is the fourth community card in Hold'em (and is sometimes also called ‘Fourth Street’). Another round of betting ensues, beginning with the active player immediately clockwise from the button.
[H3] The River
When betting action is completed for the turn round, the ‘river’ or ‘Fifth Street’ is dealt face-up on the board. The river is the fifth and final community card in a Hold'em game. Betting again begins with the active player immediately clockwise from the button, and the same betting rules apply as they do for the flop and turn.
[H3] The Showdown
If there is more than one remaining player when the final betting round is complete, the last person to bet or raise shows their cards, unless there was no bet on the final round in which case the player immediately clockwise from the button shows their cards first. The player with the best five-card poker hand wins the pot. In the event of identical hands, the pot will be equally divided between the players with the best hands. Hold'em rules state that all suits are equal.
After the pot is awarded, a new hand of Hold'em is ready to be played. The button now moves clockwise to the next player, blinds and antes are once again posted, and new hands are dealt to each player.
[H2] How many Hand Combinations are there in Texas Hold’em?
There are 1,326 possible combinations for your opening hand in Texas Hold’em poker. However, because suits have no value in this poker variant, a lot of these combinations will have the same value before the flop. When we eliminate identical combinations, there are 169 starting hands in Texas Hold’em.Pre-flop, Pocket Aces is the best starting hand. However, if your hand doesn’t improve on the board, you will only have one pair. Particularly in multi-way pots, this may not be a strong enough holding for you to continue in later betting rounds, or to win the hand if it gets to showdown.When playing heads up games (vs just one opponent), you typically need to play an extremely wide range of starting hands, especially when on the button.However, in multi-way games (vs several opponents), you need to be more selective with your starting hands, taking table position and the actions of your opponents into account. Hands with generally strong playability include:Top pairs – AA and KK are the premium starting hands in Texas Hold’em. They can be played extremely confidently and aggressively pre-flop, and you shouldn’t be deterred from getting your stack in the middle at this stage if you get the opportunity. QQ and JJ are the next best pairs which can also be played positively, though you need to proceed with caution if facing a lot of pre-flop aggression, or if over cards are dealt on the flop.Small pairs – small to middle pairs like 44 or 66 are good to play in late position if you can see a flop relatively cheaply, to try and hit a set on the flop. If you do, your hand will be pretty well disguised against opponents playing bigger pairs or higher cards. Folding is recommended against a lot of pre-flop action, or if you face a bet after missing the flop.Suited connectors – cards with consecutive numbers and the same suit (e.g. JH, 10H). These holdings have great playability post-flop and can give you the chance to make straights or flushes. It’s recommended that you play a lot of these hands multi-way and/or when you have a deep stack, as you have the potential to win large pots against players with inferior holdings like two pair or three of a kind.Suited aces – hands like AH, 4H give you the potential to make straights, but more importantly, the nut flush. Again, this can be extremely profitable against players with inferior holdings – especially players who may also hit lower value flushes. In addition, suited aces are great bluffing hands against pre-flop raises. Holding an ace means you block the combinations of aces that your opponent(s) can be holding. And if you’re called, your holding still has decent playability post-flop.
[H2] How are hands ranked in Texas Hold’em?
Understanding hand rankings beyond your starting hands is important as you look to play your best possible five-card hand from the seven available cards.
Texas Hold’em poker uses traditional high poker hand ranks:
Royal Flush – 10-A of the same suit
Straight Flush – Five cards of the same suit, in consecutive order numerically
Four of a Kind – Four cards of the same rank, and one side card/’kicker’
Full House – Three cards of the same rank, and two other cards which also match rank
Flush – Five cards of the same suit
Straight – Five cards in sequence numerically
Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank, and two unrelated side cards
Two pair – Two cards of matching ranks, another two cards of matching rank, and one side card
One pair – Two cards of matching rank, and three unrelated side cards
High card – No matching cards and no other hand type
More information on hand ranks, including examples of poker hands, is available in our How to Play section.
[H2] Limit, No Limit, Pot Limit and Mixed Texas Hold'em
Hold'em rules remain the same for Limit, No Limit and Pot Limit poker games, with a few exceptionsLimit Texas Hold'emBetting in Limit Hold'em is in pre-determined, structured amounts. Pre-flop and on the flop, all bets and raises are of the same amount as the big blind. On the turn and the river, the size of all bets and raises doubles. In Limit Hold'em, up to four bets are allowed per player during each betting round. This includes a (1) bet, (2) raise, (3) re-raise, and (4) cap (final raise).No Limit Texas Hold'emThe minimum bet in No Limit Hold'em is the same as the size of the big blind, but players can always bet as much more as they want, up to all of their chips.Minimum raise: In No Limit Hold'em, the raise amount must be at least as much as the previous bet or raise in the same round. As an example, if the first player to act bets $5 then the second player must raise a minimum of $5 (total bet of $10).Maximum raise: The size of your stack (your chips on the table).In No Limit Hold'em, there is no ‘cap’ on the number of raises allowed.Pot Limit Texas Hold'emThe minimum bet in Pot Limit Hold'em is the same as the size of the big blind, but players can always bet up to the size of the pot.Minimum raise: The raise amount must be at least as much as the previous bet or raise in the same round. As an example, if the first player to act bets $5 then the second player must raise a minimum of $5 (total bet of $10).Maximum raise: The size of the pot, which is defined as the total of the active pot plus all bets on the table plus the amount the active player must first call before raising.Example: If the size of the pot is $100, and there is no previous action on a particular betting round, a player may bet a maximum of $100. After that bet, the action moves to the next player clockwise. That player can either fold, call $100, or raise any amount between the minimum ($100 more) and the maximum. The maximum bet in this case is $400 - the raiser would first call $100, bringing the pot size to $300, and then raise $300 more, making a total bet of $400.In Pot Limit Hold'em, there is no ‘cap’ on the number of raises allowed.Mixed Texas Hold'emIn Mixed Hold'em, the game switches between rounds of Limit Hold'em and No Limit Hold'em. The blinds are typically increased when the game switches from No Limit to Limit, to ensure some consistency in the average pot size in each game. The betting rules on each round follow the rules for that game, as described above.In the PokerStars software, it’s not possible to bet less than the minimum or more than the maximum. The bet slider and bet window will only allow you to bet amounts within the allowed thresholds.
[H2] Learn How to Play Texas Hold'em for Free
If you want to learn how to play Hold'em, then download the PokerStars software and join any of the free poker games where you can play online against other players. Unlike our real money poker games, since there is nothing at stake, you can be comfortable learning the ropes of the game and all the rules of Hold'em. As well as Texas Hold’em, we also offer many other poker variants. See our Poker Games page to learn more.
[H2] Additional information
What is the goal in Texas Hold’em Poker?During a game of Texas Hold’em, players are trying to win the pot – the sum of all the bets that have been played in that hand. A player will win the pot if they have the best five-card hand at the showdown.In the instance where all but one player has decided to fold, the remaining player will win the pot without having to show their hand.How can you win at Texas Hold’em?Success in Texas Hold’em games often relies upon strategy. Considering the following elements can be a good way to start developing your optimal Texas Hold’em strategy:Choose to play opening hands that are more likely to make you money in various situations. Are you ‘on the button’? Think about what others have done and make the most of being in a stronger table position.Think about your potential hands and what others are likely to do at the table when sizing your bets. Again, position can play a big part in your decision-making here.Folding and knowing when you’re beaten is a skill that can help you maintain your stack/buy-in and your success/bankroll in the long run. Learn when it’s best to fold and move onto the next hand.Practice and experience can be key when it comes to developing a successful poker strategy. PokerStars offers free-to-play games where players can hone their skills, as well as a range of strategy tips and advice.

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