If you are looking for an exciting, suspense-filled, competitive game of poker to play online, then Texas Holdem Poker may be the game for you. Until you get the hang of it, there are many places online that you can play Texas holdem poker for free. Once you have a better understanding of the game and some practice under your belt you can play for money. Online Texas holdem poker varies from the standard five card draw poker that you are used to. Texas holdem poker has become very popular and you can find several games that are televised, tips are often given throughout the program. Understanding the process is the first step in being a successful online Texas holdem poker player. Some terminology that you will need to become familiar with is defined below:

Check- no bet is placed

Call- you are meeting the bet amount that is already placed

Raise- you are raising the bet

Fold- you are ending your participation in the game

Pot- this is the jackpot

Online Texas Holdem Poker Explained

The game begins with each player being dealt two cards. These cards are dealt face down; these are the cards that will decide whether or not you have the winning hand. You will place your bets or fold depending on these two cards. Most wait until the game is further along to fold, because cards you instantly think are bad, may turn out to be a winning combination.

The Flop

The flop consists of three cards dealt face up, these cards are community cards and everyone will use these cards to try and win the hand. Once the flop is dealt, you will be prompted to raise your bet, check, call or fold. All bets are placed in a clockwise manner to keep it simple. These bets are usually small bets, as players are waiting to see what the rest of the cards are and will bet accordingly. Once all bets are placed, the next card that is played is known as "the turn".

The Turn

This card is usually where the "big bets" begin when you are playing Texas Holdem Poker online. The betting is doubled from the last round, and players will help the pot grow if they think they have the winning hand.

The River

The "river" is the fifth and final card played in online Texas Holdem Poker. This is where players also continue to place "big bets". With all the playable cards dealt, this is where the suspense is built. They bet will begin to get higher as the suspense is almost over. Let the "Showdown" begin.

The Showdown

This is the final chance to place your bets. These are most often always big bets. This also where you will begin to see the other players "fold" their hands. If you have the best hand using all the cards involved, you win the "pot".