We often receive emails at 4TexasHoldem asking questions about the rules of Texas Holdem, Texas Holdem strategy, or simply asking to help resolve a dispute between poker playing friends. Here is a email we recently received:
I have a simple holdem question. What constitutes a player folding his hand? Since your cards are already on the table, do you have to say "fold"? What if you throw your cards towards the dealer without saying anything?
The situation came up during a game last night. One player threw his cards toward the dealer after another declared "all-in." The person who went "all-in" thought the other player had folded and threw his cards up. The other player seeing his cards said he had not folded and proceeded to win. What constitutes folding? Thanks!
Many players enjoy the stability of limit Texas Holdem. In limit Holdem, bets are set at specific increments that double on the Turn and River. For example, if you are playing $2/$4 limit, the small blind would be $1 and the big blind would be $2. Each bet and raise preflop and immediately after the flop must be $2. Each bet and raise after the turn and river must be $4. Playing this style of Texas Holdem can reduce the large chip stack swings that a player may see when playing the more aggressive no-limit Texas Holdem. At the same time, it limits a players chances to win a huge hand when they flop the "nuts" and can only bet a specified amount. For many players, limit Holdem is too structured. In lower limit games, you will often find a large number of players in the hand until the final card is shown. This can become frustrating when your top hands lose repeatedly to players chasing flushes and inside straights.
With the popularity of Texas Holdem, more and more people have begun organizing home tournaments. Although home games are typically between friends and inexpensive to enter, as the total number of players increases so does the value of the prize pool. Also, with an increase in number of players comes an increase in the overall length of the tournament. Both of these can lead to arguments and frustration if not handled properly.
In the last article, we began discussing some of the rules that can keep your home Texas Holdem poker tourneys running smoothly. By eliminating arguments and controversy, everyone at the game will have a better time and be anxious for the next event.
GENERAL Before each hand begins, the two players to the left of the dealer will post the blinds. The "small blind" (player to the left of the dealer) puts up half the minimum bet, and the "big blind" (player to the left of the "small blind") puts up the full minimum bet. Antes will also be posted, if required.
