What is Texas Hold’em?
Texas Hold’em is the most popular variety of poker played today. Players receive two cards face down, followed by a round of betting. The best hand to hold at this point is two aces. After the first of four rounds of betting, three cards are “flopped” face up in the middle of the table and are used as community cards, meaning that every player can use the cards in the middle, as well as their hole cards, to make a hand. After the second round of betting, the fourth card (called the “turn”) is placed face up in the middle. After the third round of betting, the fifth card and final card (called the “river”) is placed face up in the middle. Then the fourth, and final, round of betting occurs. With all the cards out, each player tries to make his or her best five-card poker hand using the five community cards and the two cards in his or her hand.
What is a poker “tournament” and how does it differ from a poker “game?”
In a poker tournament, each player receives the same number of chips. Once he loses his chips, he is eliminated from the tournament. As opposed to a regular poker game, a player cannot cash in his chips during the tournament. The points are awarded according to who keeps his chips the longest, and the winning player, of course, will end up with all the chips at the end. A total of 600 points are awarded each tournament. First place earns 130 points and the rest of the points are divided between the other players who make the final table.
How much does it cost to play?
Each tournament is completely free to play. Yes, you do get chips if you purchase something from the bar. However, there is never any obligation to purchase anything at all.