Texas Hold’em Poker

The most common variation of poker you'll see on TV in all the major tournaments.

Playing Texas Hold'em
Before the dealer (designated by a dealer 'button', also one of the players) is allowed to deal any cards, the person to their left has to put in the small blind, equivalent to half the minimum bet at the table, and the person two to the left of the dealer must put in the big blind, equivalent to the minimum bet.

The dealer then deals two cards to each player. Play begins with the player to the left of the big blind, who can then raise it, call it or fold depending on their two cards. Play continues around to the big blind.

The dealer then deals three more cards, face-up, on the table. These are 'community' cards, to be used by all the players upon the end of the game. Another round of betting begins with the player to the left of the dealer.

Next, another card is dealt onto the table, another 'community' card, and another round of betting takes place.

Finally the fifth card is placed on the table, and the players must attempt to come up with their best possible five-card hand out of the seven available.

Another round of betting occurs, and then the players show their cards, starting with the last player to raise or, if no-one did, the first player to bet. Whoever has the best hand wins.

Tactics
I've no doubt you've heard a lot about Bluffing at this kind of poker. If you're a careful player then one bluff before you leave the table might be in order, but otherwise it's not usually worth it - many good players will be able to tell if you're bluffing, and most players with good hands will carry on playing regardless. Bluffing is very rarely a good idea in any game, as it's simply admitting to yourself that you have a poor hand, although it can be used to your advantage if you know what you're doing.

With your initial cards, many players will fold if they have two different cards each worth less than 10, and some even with two over ten. On the other hand, if you're playing the small or big blind, it might be worth staying-in since you'll lose your money either way.

Don't forget that you can step out any time until the last round, it's often better to step out in the second rather than spending four or five times your initial stake only to lose later on. Don't play too long with a weak hand, it'll only end badly!

There aren't any perfect tactics for Texas Hold'em, it depends on your style of play, but don’t feel like you have to play every hand. The best players only play around 40% of their possible hands, but still win a lot more money.
If you think you can win a hand, play. If you're not sure, save your money unless you're playing a blind.