In holdem, the first step is to get the card game started, and for this the players put out a specific total of cash. ‘Posting the blinds’ is the frequently used saying for this play. In the following step, the dealer shuffles the deck of cards and deals 2 cards face down to each player. A normal deck of fifty two cards is used. After the deal, there is the initial sequence of wagering. This sequence is typically referred to as a "pre-flop".

Following the first wagering sequence, the first card is tossed aside. This discarded card is called the "burn card", and this is done to make sure that there is no dishonestly. The following 3 cards are then revealed face up on the table. These cards are referred to as ‘the flop’. Now comes a 2nd round of wagering, after that the dealer tosses out an additional card and turns over one more card onto the table. After this, players can use the sixth card to create a five-card poker hand.

An additional sequence of betting happens, and in a number of styles of poker, here is where the bet amount doubles. There is a further round of throwing away a card, and a closing placing of a card face-up on the poker table. This is called the "river". Players can now make use of any of the 5 cards on the board, or the two cards in their pocket, to form a 5card poker hand.

To wrap it up there’s a last round of betting. Then, all the remaining players start to show their hands. This is describe as the "showdown". Obviously, the competitor who shows the highest hand is the winner. When players have even hands a sharing of the pot is considered.

Holdem is a basic game to pick up, but to acquire prowess it requires a fair amount of practice.