The name of the game is thought to be derived from
Hold Me Darling, an informal game common in the 1960's. It
is now the most popular form of poker in the world.
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THE BLINDS |
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Instead of the usual
ante from all players, two players put up fixed sums; the small
blind (half the minimum bet), and the big blind (the
minimum bet). With each hand, the big bind, small bind and dealer
responsibilities rotate. |
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THE DEAL |
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Players are each
dealt two cards facedown, called the hole cards. The
opening bet begins with the player to the left of the big blind
calling the big blind bet, raising it or folding. |
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COMMUNITY CARDS
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Over three rounds
of betting, the dealer turns a total of five cards faceup
(three flop cards, one turn card, and one river
card). These are used by all players along with their hole
cards. |
THE FLOP
THE TURN
THE RIVER
Players Place Final Bets or Fold.
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YOUR HAND
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King of Clubs plus community card King of Diamonds
makes a pair of Kings. You lose.
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PLAYER 2
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Ten of Spades with community card 10
of Diamonds makes a pair of 10s. This hand loses.
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PLAYER 3
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Four of Spades with community card 4
of Hearts and King of Spades plus community card
King of Diamonds makes two pairs. Hand is strong,
but still loses.
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PLAYER 4
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Ace of Hearts plus Jack of Diamonds
with community cards 10 of Diamonds, King of Diamonds,
and Queen of Hearts makes a straight. This is
the winning hand.
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THE SHOWDOWN
The winner has the highest five-card poker hand using any mix of his
or her two hole cards and the five community cards. |
