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OKAYPLAY Poker Guide

Poker is the one casino game where skill decides results over time. Start here before you sit at a table.

By Alfred CruzLast updated
Quick take
  • Learn hand rankings by heart first.
  • Play fewer, stronger starting hands.
  • Keep at least 20 buy-ins for your stake level.
Texas Hold'em showdown with community cards and chips on the table
A Texas Hold'em showdown: best five-card hand wins.

Texas Hold'em in 60 seconds

Each player gets two private cards. Five community cards come out in three stages: the flop (3), the turn (1) and the river (1). There are four betting rounds. The best five-card hand, or the last player standing, wins the pot. Our poker beginner's guide covers each street in detail.

Hand rankings (strongest first)

  1. Royal flush
  2. Straight flush
  3. Four of a kind
  4. Full house
  5. Flush
  6. Straight
  7. Three of a kind
  8. Two pair
  9. One pair
  10. High card

Beginner rules that save money

  • Position matters: play more hands on the button, fewer in early position.
  • Fold more: most hands are not worth playing.
  • Bankroll: treat your poker money as a separate budget; see the budget plan.

Prefer games with a dealer and no opponents to out-think? Try live baccarat and roulette. Want quick rounds? Check slots or fishing games.

AI-assisted content. This page was drafted with the help of AI tools, then reviewed and edited by Alfred Cruz. Information is for education only and is not legal or financial advice.