- Posting the Blinds. Two players each make a mandatory small bet before any cards are dealt. This ensures that there's something for everyone to play for if no one decides to bet after that. This responsibility rotates around the table from round to round so that everybody shares the burden of posting the blinds throughout the game.
- The Deal. Each player gets two cards, face-down. These are called the hole cards. Players place their bets, or fold (bail out).
- The Flop. Three community cards are dealt face up to the center of the table. Each player can use any or all of these cards along with his/her hole cards to make the best five-card hand. This is done in your head; nobody touches the community cards. The players bet again, or fold.
- The Turn (aka Fourth Street). A fourth community card is dealt & more betting, ensues.
- The River. The fifth and final community card is dealt. Followed by the customary betting.
- The Showdown. Anyone still in the game (i.e., anyone who hasn't folded) puts their cards down face-up so all the players can see who won. The winner takes the pot, all the chips that were bet during that round.
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