In holdem, the initial step is to get the game started, and for this the players put out a set amount of money. ‘Posting the blinds’ is the frequently used expression for this play. In the next step, the croupier shuffles the deck of cards and deals two cards face down to all players. A regular deck of fifty two cards is used. After the deal, there is the first sequence of betting. This sequence is normally referred to as a "pre-flop".

Following the first wagering sequence, the top card of the deck is discarded. This thrown away card is known as the "burn card", and this is done to make sure that there is absolutely no corruption. The next 3 cards are then revealed face up on the poker table. These cards are ‘the flop’. Now follows a second round of betting, after that the dealer tosses out an additional card and turns over 1 more card onto the table. Following this, competitors can use the 6th card to form a 5card poker hand.

A further round of betting happens, and in a good many styles of games, here is where the wager size doubles. There is a further round of tossing aside a card, and a last deal of a card face-up on the poker table. This is referred to as the "river". Competitors can now use any of the five cards on the table, or the 2 cards in their pocket, to form a five-card poker hand.

To finish it up there’s an additional round of betting. After that, all the remaining players start to display their hands. This is called the "showdown". Clearly, the bettor who holds the greatest hand is the winner. When players have even hands a splitting of the winnings is used.

Hold’em is a simple game to pickup, but to acquire expertise it requires a fair amount of practice.