To play poker, players are dealt two private cards and can use them with community cards to make the best five-card hand. The goal is to win the "pot," which is the sum of all bets in a round, either by having the highest-ranking hand at the end or by being the last player remaining after everyone else folds. There are multiple betting rounds where players can choose to bet, call (match a bet), raise (increase a bet), or fold (quit the hand). Game objective Win the "pot," which contains all the bets made during a hand. Win either by having the best five-card hand at the end or by being the last player after others fold. Basic Texas Hold 'em gameplay Ante: Players make forced bets (blinds) to start the pot. Deal hole cards: Each player receives two cards face down. First betting round: Players bet, check, call, raise, or fold based on their hand. Deal the flop: The dealer burns a card and deals three community cards face up. Second betting round: Another round of betting occurs. Deal the turn: The dealer deals a fourth community card, face up. Third betting round: A third round of betting takes place. Deal the river: The dealer deals the fifth and final community card, face up. Final betting round: The last round of betting happens. Showdown: Remaining players reveal their hands. The player with the best five-card hand wins the pot. Betting options Bet: Place the first bet of a betting round. Check: Pass the action to the next player without betting. Call: Match the bet or raise of another player. Raise: Increase the amount of the current bet. Fold: Give up your hand and forfeit the pot, losing any chips you have already bet.