Texas Holdem is an easy game to learn, but a difficult one to master. In fact, it's doubtful that it can be mastered, but that's what makes it so much fun to play. Every time you play Texas Holdem you will learn something that you didn't know the last time you played, so the more you play the better you will get. The rules of Texas Holdem are simple. Before each hand begins, the two players to the left of the dealer will place a predetermined amount of money into the pot. These bets are referred to as "posting the blinds." The player to the left of the dealer will put up half the minimum bet, or the "small blind," and the player to his left will put up the full bet, or the "big blind."

After the "blinds" are placed, each player is dealt 2 cards face down. At this point, the first round of betting begins with the player to the left of the "big blind." In turn, players have the option to check, call, raise, or fold their hand.

After the first round of betting is complete, the dealer will "burn" the top card of the deck and flip the next three cards face up on the table. These first 3 community cards (cards shared by all players) are known as the "flop." After the flop, another round of betting takes place. The betting for this and all remaining hands will begin at the player with the "small blind."

Once the second round of betting is complete, the dealer will "burn" another card and place one more community card face up onto the table. This card is typically referred to as "the turn." After "the turn," a third round of betting takes place.

The dealer once again "burns" a card and places the final community face-up card on the table. After "the river" (as it's commonly known) is dealt, the final round of betting takes place.

The players that haven't folded their hand now use the five community cards and the two in their hand to make the best possible five-card poker hand. The player with the best hand wins.

It's as easy as it sounds. But, you will be amazed after the game has ended how many hands you wish you would have played differently. With any luck, this number will reduce every time you play.