Texas holdem is a popular, exciting variation of poker that is played by millions of players around the world. It is a fast-paced game, where players attempt to win by placing their bets before the dealer reveals their cards. The object of the game is to make the most money with the best 5-card hand of the 7 cards available.
Players are dealt two pocket cards face down initially. This is often referred to as the hole cards. The player then has the option to fold, call or raise the bet with each round to make the pot bigger. The game is then played in rounds. The dealer burns a card and then places three communal cards faced up. This is known as the flop. After another round of betting takes place, the dealer burns a card and then adds a fourth community card faced up. This is known as the turn card. The fifth and final community card, known as the river card, is then dealt. At this point, all players turn their hole cards up and the player with the best five-card hand wins the pot.