Tribeca Tables Poker Network: Texas Holdem

The "turn," the "river," "the big blind" - the poetry of these Texas Holdem names is not lost on the poker mavens, and if you listen carefully to country western songs, you will hear these Texas Holdem references everywhere. Poker and Texas Holdem are a part of our culture, and their nomenclature a major contributor to the songs, legends and myths surrounding these card games.

One of the myths of poker is that Texas Holdem is a game of chance. Many people mistakenly view not just Texas Holdem, but all poker games as activities, like all casino games, in which luck plays the major role. But far from games like roulette and craps, Texas Holdem is a game that is recognized as a game of skill. Texas Holdem, or hold 'em or holdem, is the most popular form of community cards poker games played in casinos and online poker rooms. The no-limit variant of Texas Holdem is the main event in the World Series Of Poker, the acknowledged world championship of the game, - a championship recognized for skill and gamesmanship.

Poker and Texas Holdem in particular, involve the honing of abilities ranging from math to psychology, mental adroitness to intuitive gamesmanship. Over time, as in all games of skill, the best player is going to win, whether it's chess or Texas Holdem.

Public Interest in Texas Holdem Soars

Texas Holdem rocketed to popularity as a spectator sport in 2003, when it was discovered by cable TV. ESPN coverage of the World Series of Poker brought Chris Moneymaker's unexpected victory to a huge audience. It turned out that amateur player Moneymaker gained admission to the grand Texas Holdem event through online poker tournament wins. Then, in 2003, two additional Texas Holdem tournament series debuted, "World Poker Tour" and "Celebrity Poker Showdown." The continuing success of these programs demonstrates the strength of Texas Holdem as a spectator event.

Texas Holdem: A Brief Game Overview

In theory, Texas Holdem can be played by up to 22 players, but it is most often played with 2 to 10 seated at the table. Since the order of betting is fixed throughout all betting rounds, Texas Holdem is one of the most positional of the poker variants.

The play of the hand begins with each player dealt two cards face down. These are the hole cards, and in Texas Holdem these are the only cards received individually. Because the hole cards will only be revealed, if at all, at the showdown - Texas Holdem is a closed poker game.

If blinds are used, the pre-flop betting begins with the player to the left of the big blind, moving clockwise from there. Upon completion of the betting, the dealer deals a burn card, followed by the "flop," three face up, community cards. In Texas Holdem, from here on out in this game, betting begins at the dealer's left. Another round of betting ensues. Then another card is burned, and a single, face up, community card called the "turn" (or "fourth street") is dealt. After another betting round, the dealer burns a card and deals one last community card called the "river" (or "fifth street"), followed by another betting round possibly leading to the showdown.

In Texas Holdem, when a player bets and all others fold, the player is not required to show his hole cards. But when there are two or more players remaining after the final betting round - in Texas Holdem that's called a "showdown." Each player plays the best five card combination of his hole cards and the community cards. If the best hand is shared, then the pot is split equally among those hands.

Basic Strategy Of Texas Holdem

The strategy of poker, including Texas Holdem, is sophisticated and complex enough that we would encourage new players to study some of the many books available on this subject before risking money in a game. Still, there are commonly accepted factors that affect the game play of Texas Holdem:

1. A significant consideration in Texas Holdem is the number of players at the table. In a large game, you need a stronger hand to win, so folding before the flop is more important.

2. Another major factor in Texas Holdem is the style of play of your opponents. Observation is key and fundamental to understanding when to bet, raise, call, and fold.

3. Your position in the hand is also very important in Texas Holdem. The dealer or big blind will always go last in the betting round, and will therefore have the most information about the other players - clearly the best position. The earlier your position, the more disadvantaged you are in Texas Holdem. So play more hands from a good position, and less from an early position.

4. Also important in Texas Holdem is your table image. If you are perceived as a tight player your raises will not be called as frequently as if you are perceived as a loose player. If your image is overly aggressive, you will be more likely to be called. Varying their table image is something experienced players work on dependent on the situation at the table. In Texas Holdem, unpredictability is an edge.

Texas Holdem and Tribeca Tables Poker Network

So, if you're searching for Texas Holdem, you're on the right site. We at Tribeca Tables Poker Network want to be your Texas Holdem source, whether you're a player, or a room owner. Texas Holdem is what we know, and Texas Holdem is what we're known for. We create the software, and provide complete support for a very elegant presentation of Texas Holdem in every room on our network. Visit one and find the most realistic Texas Holdem poker experience available on the internet. Secure, online poker games, including Texas Holdem, are running right now, 24/7 for play or real money.

Tribeca enables you to play online poker at these elegant poker rooms: Find a Room to Play Online Poker