Texas Holdem is an easy game to play, as the rules of the game make it simple for even a novice poker player to catch on.  The simplicity of the Texas Holdem rules makes it simple for new players to play the game.

Each game of Texas Holdem begins with every player getting two cards.  A dealer, who does not participate as a player in the game shuffles and deals two cards out to each player.  While the Texas Holdem dealer does not play in the game, the deal moves around the table in a clockwise fashion, although the player designated as the dealer does not actually deal the cards.  The player designated as the dealer receives what is called “the button.”  Naturally, this player receives his or her cards last.  The players to the left of the dealer are called the blinds.  In Texas Holdem, the blinds are forced to put money in play before the cards are dealt, which is why they are called the blinds as they are forced to bet blind (before they receive cards).  The player to the immediate left of the dealer is the small blind and places one-half a bet in front of him, while the player two spots to the left of the dealer is the big blind and must put in an entire bet.

After the blinds are posted and cards dealt, each player has the opportunity to act on their hand, one at a time starting with the player left of the big blind.  This part of the Texas Holdem game is called the preflop play.  Players may call, raise, or fold during the preflop betting round. 

Once each player has acted before the flop and there is no more action, the dealer places three cards face up in the center of the table.  In Texas Holdem, these cards are community cards, which means everyone may use them.  The three cards that are placed in the middle is called the flop, as they are flopped into the center of the table.  Again, a round of betting takes place, this time starting with the player who is still in the hand closest to the small blind.

After the flop round completes, the dealer administers the turn card.  Again, a round of betting takes place from the small blind around the table.  Finally, the river card is dealt and the final round of betting takes place.  If the hand makes it to showdown, the best five card Texas Holdem hand wins the pot.