Poker, The Real Deal 5d4938

POKER 13455

Get flush with the facts. 4m1mo

POKER 13455

Get flush with the facts. 4m1mo

Goal 2v3446

Create the best hand possible. k4im

HOW TO PLAY 2e316r

Hold’em is a popular version of poker. Varieties follow this basic format.

  • Ante: You place an initial bet, called an ante, to signal that you are playing this hand.
  • Hole: Each player is dealt two cards face down (“the hole”). This is followed by a round of betting, during which you can either fold, check, or raise your bet.
  • The Flop: Three community cards are dealt face up (“the flop”), followed by another round of betting.
  • The Turn: A fourth community card (“the turn”) is dealt face up, followed by more betting.
  • The River: Finally, a fifth community card is dealt face up, followed by a last round of betting.

Poker and table games based on poker come in many forms, but the following hands are common to all types of poker:

Royal Flush: 10-Jack-Queen-King-Ace, all in the same suit

Illustration of cards showing a Royal flush

Straight Flush: Five cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking

Illustration of cards showing a Straight Flush

Four Of A Kind: Four cards of the same rank

Illustration of cards showing a Four of a Kind

Full House: A Three Of A Kind with a Pair

Illustration of cards showing a Full House

Flush: Five cards of the same suit

Illustration of cards showing a Flush

Straight: Five cards of consecutive rank, regardless of suit

Illustration of cards showing a Straight hand

Three of a kind: Three cards of the same rank

Illustration of cards showing Three of a Kind

Two pair: Two sets of two cards of the same rank

Illustration of cards showing Two Pairs

Pair: Two cards of the same rank

Illustration of cards showing one Pair

VOCAB LESSON o3368

Blind Bet: In some forms of poker, players sitting at certain spots of the table will have to make a wager before seeing any cards.
Call: To make a wager equal to the amount of the wager made immediately prior.
Raise: To make a wager higher than the last bet.
Check: To waive the right to start betting while retaining the right to act if another player begins to bet.
Fold: To refuse to call a raise; the player leaves the hand and discards their cards.

ETIQUETTE 6e4o3a

  • Don’t slow roll or angle shoot.
  • Avoid tanking or acting out of turn.
  • Don’t eat during a game.
  • Keep table conversation polite and nonconfrontational.
  • Be courteous to your dealer.
Illustration of a poker game with 3 people, the dealer and 2 players

WHAT TO KNOW t4y5m

Always remain realistic about your chances of winning, and take a break if you’re beginning to lose sight of that.

There are several variations of poker. Having a budget as well as an understanding of both skill level and house edge are good strategies for healthy gambling.

Disclaimer: This game guide is meant as an introduction. The official regulations for Massachusetts electronic gaming devices can be found at massgaming.com/regulations/table-games-rules/.

GET TO KNOW OTHER GAMES 3x664m

  • Icon of slot machines

    The Science of Slots 1j2o4c

    Don’t get played. Know the game of slots.
    Learn more
  • Icon of a roulette

    The Real Roulette 1w4p33

    Stop the spin. Know the game of roulette.
    Learn more
  • Icon representing sports

    Sports Betting 27244e

    Covering the bases on sports betting.
    Learn more
  • Icon representing course racing

    Parimutuel 274lu

    Find your stride.
    Learn more
  • Icon with dices

    How Craps Rolls 732i5c

    Turn the tables. Know the game of craps.
    Learn more
  • Icon of cards

    Blackjack Unpacked i2629

    Know the deal. Know the game of blackjack.
    Learn more
  • Icon for big wheel

    Big Six Wheel Revealed 1p5j5j

    Know the game of Big Six wheel.
    Learn more
  • Icon of a dealer table with cards on top

    Behind Baccarat 5a5k2n

    Flip the cards. Know the game of baccarat.
    Learn more
A swipe icon showing that you can move the carrousel elements with your fingers on the screen.
Languages »