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Home to the Best No-Limit Texas Holdem Poker Games
Of all the poker variants out there, it's Texas Holdem that deserves the title of the 'King of Pokers.' It's a game that takes only a few minutes to learn but years to master. The thrill, strategy, and unpredictability keep you coming back for more. And now, you can enjoy all the exciting Texas Hold'em games at Natural8, the best online poker platform around!
Are you ready to master your game and learn how to win big? Below, we've outlined how to play Texas Holdem poker online for beginners, giving you the basic rules and information you need to get started with numerous tips on how to enhance your poker strategy.
Create your free Natural8 account, claim your welcome bonuses, and enjoy a variety of limit and no-limit poker cash games and tournaments!
What is Texas Holdem Poker
Texas Hold'em is the most popular poker variant in the world. It's played with a standard 52 card deck, and there can be between 2-10 players at a poker table. Of course, other poker games are popular too, but when it comes to poker tournaments and online poker sites, Texas Hold'em is an undisputed king.
The game starts with the dealer giving every player two hole cards. These are dealt face down and are your personal cards that no one else should see. Once each player receives their cards, four betting rounds start (we'll outline them below), resulting in five cards being dealt face-up on the table for every player to see. These are called community cards.
The goal of the game is simple. You need to use your hole cards and the community cards to make the best five-card hand possible. If no other player can match your cards or they fold beforehand, you win the main prize which is called the 'pot'.
Below is an example of two sets of hold cards and community cards:
Player A’s Hole Cards
Community Cards
Player B’s Hole Cards
Texas Holdem Rules & Gameplay
Positions
Big Blind
The player on the left of the small blind. The big blind is the same as the minimum bet size.
Small Blind
The player immediately left of the dealer has to post the small blind.
Dealer
Each hand has one designated dealer. The dealer position determines the small and big blind positions. The dealer button is passed clockwise after every hand.
Actions
Fold
The player feels they can't win the hand, so they forfeit any chips they have in the pot. They give their hole cards back to the dealer without showing them to anyone else. Players who fold will then be out of the game and will not be able to return in the middle of the hand.
Check
If there is no new bet, the player can pass the bet to the next player without betting or folding. But if another player raises before the round of betting is complete, the player will then need to call, re-raise, or fold.
Bet
The player bets a certain amount based on the strength of his cards (or they can bluff if they're feeling adventurous). The bet must be more than the Big Blind.
Call
If a bet has been made before it reaches the player, they can choose to call to match the amount of current bet. If they don't have enough to match the bet but still want to play, they can go ""All-In,"" but can only win the number of chips they have contributed to the pot.
Raise
The player can choose to bet more than the other bets that have been made so far. Bear in mind that it has to be at least double any previous bets made in that particular round.
All-in
The player can risk it all and bet or raise their full stack (the total number of chips they possess), leaving nothing behind.
Betting Rounds
There are four betting rounds in Texas Hold'em.
Pre-Flop
Everybody gets their first two cards (Hole Cards)
The preflop betting round takes place after the dealer deals each player their hole cards. The player to the left of the big blind starts the round of betting and can either call, raise, or fold the big blind. In the no-limit Texas Hold'em game, the minimum opening raise has to be at least twice the big blind.
The Flop
3 Community (Everyone's) cards are dealt
The second betting round in Texas Hold'em is called the flop. The first three community cards are dealt, and the second round of betting begins. Again, each player has to take action, but they can now check in addition to the three actions available during the first round.
The Turn
A 4th community card is dealt
A fourth card called "the turn" is dealt and this is followed by another round of betting. The additional card can completely alter players' actions as their hands get stronger or weaker. Again, each player can fold, call, raise, check, or go all-in.
The River
A final 5th community card is dealt
Once the fifth and final card is dealt, the final betting round commences. You now need to see your strongest hand and figure out if your competition has a stronger hand, missed a card they were chasing, or are they bluffing to win the pot. All players must now decide whether to bet, call, raise, or fold.
The Showdown
If there are 2 or more remaining active players they will go to the Showdown.
If two or more players are left after the betting action ends on the river, you enter the showdown where all remaining players will need to show their cards. The player with the strongest five card hard will take the pot. If the hand is a tie, the pot is split evenly.
Texas Holdem Hands Ranked
As with any other poker game, there are stronger and weaker hands. The goal is to use either one or both of your hole cards with the community cards and create the best possible hand. However, to do that, you must first understand how poker hand rankings work. To help you with that, we've created a rundown of all possible hands in Texas Holdem ranked from best to worst.
| Name | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
Royal Flush |
The best possible hand in Texas Hold'em is the royal flush. It consists of five same suit cards ranked from ace to ten. |  |
Straight Flush |
Next on the list is the straight flush, which consists of five same suit consecutive cards, for example, 5-6-7-8-9 all in hearts. |  |
Four-of-a-Kind |
A four-of-a-kind hand means four cards of the same value, for example, four Aces. |  |
Full House |
A full house consists of three cards of the same value with the addition of a pair. An example - three Aces and two threes. |  |
Flush |
A flush means five same suit cards in no particular order. |  |
Straight |
A straight in poker consists of five consecutive cards that aren't in the same suit. The highest possible variation is from ace to ten. |  |
Three-of-a-Kind |
It works like four-of-a-kind only with three cards of the same value instead of four. |  |
Two Pair |
Two pairs of different ranks. |  |
One Pair |
Two cards of the same value. |  |
High Card |
The lowest possible hand is a high card. Basically, it occurs when hole cards and community cards don't produce any combination and the highest card wins. |  |
Fixed-Limit Hold'em vs No-Limit Texas Hold'em
As you can see, the general rules and gameplay of a Texas Hold'em Poker game are relatively straightforward. However, there are several key differences between playing limit and no-limit Texas Hold'em. It all starts with the structure of the game and betting rules. In no-limit games, players can bet or raise any amount of poker chips from their stack. In a fixed-limit version, players raise and bet in pre-decided increments.
In general, no-limit Hold'em is much more popular, as its betting structure is clearer and easier to follow, especially for beginners. If you're only at the start of your poker journey, opt for no-limit variations of the game when playing at online poker rooms.
Here is a quick overview of some of the most important differences between the two poker variations:
Fixed-Limit Poker:
- Fixed betting increments
- There's a limit on how often players can raise
- Bluffing isn't as important and effective
No-Limit Poker:
- Players can bet any amount of money
- Players can re-raise as often as they please
- Bluffing often is the right and effective strategy
Tips and Strategies When Playing Online No-Limit Texas Hold'em
Although it takes some time to become a true no-limit Texas Hold'em master, you shouldn't find it troublesome to start winning relatively fast. And to help you with that, we've listed some of the basic strategies and tips a beginner should follow to start winning cash games. Also, remember that the most important thing is to have fun. Poker is an amazing and exciting game, but when real money is at stake, it's easy to focus more on winning than the overall experience. Hopefully, with the following tips and strategies, you'll be able to do both.
Don't Call Too Much
One of the worst mistakes a player can make is calling too much. The problem with calling is that it never controls the size of the pot, which always favours your opponents. Calling also puts you in tricky situations because, once you call, you are committed to seeing all future cards for the rest of the hand. If a bad card comes on the turn or river, it may be difficult for you to continue playing passively and will force you into making a bad decision by betting or raising when it may not be necessary.
In order to prevent yourself from falling into this trap, commit to raising any hand that is worth playing. By doing this, if someone raises behind you and has better odds than yours, then at least you won't have invested too many chips in the pot before folding your hand.
Also, remember that a raise can still win without showing down your cards - especially if everyone folds after your raise (or they might even call but fold when they realise they are beaten). Therefore, your goal should be to win as many unshown pots as possible during play.
Know Which Starting Hands to Play
In general, the better your starting hand, the higher your initial chances of winning. With that in mind, it's better to play strong hands like AA, AK, QQ, etc., rather than weaker hands like K2, A4, and so on. Such hands will allow you to play more aggressively, as they decrease the chances of winding up in a difficult situation. Of course, everything can change once community cards are dealt, but a strong starting hand is definitely a nice advantage to have.
Avoid 'Limping' Pre-Flop
A 'limp' is when someone decides to enter a pot by calling the big blind (BB). This is a very poor strategy. When you enter a pot with a limp, you will get into tough situations later on quite frequently. This happens because limping makes it more likely that your opponents will stay in hand. If your opponent(s) decide to play as well, they have already shown strength by re-raising (your raise), and they now have a position on you (which means they act after you and have more information than you).
Even if everyone at the table has chosen to limp into the pot, which rarely happens online, this still doesn't make limping profitable for you. If multiple people limp in and no one raises, it's often correct for you to check down your hand rather than bet out. Your stack size also plays an important role here; if there are 3-4 limpers before it gets to you and you're holding AA or KK, raising vs. only calling is an easy decision.
Don't Be Afraid to Fold
Online Texas Hold'em is an exciting and popular game that can be played for fun or for real money. However, you don't have to start betting immediately. You can get a feel for the site by signing up for a free account and playing with play money before you make any cash investments. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to practice your no-limit Hold'em skills because the first thing to understand about this form of poker is that folding early, often, and consistently is critical in the long run.
Don't Be Afraid to Bluff
It may sound like strange advice considering the previous one, but the art of bluffing is vital when playing poker games. The problem is that most new players are afraid of it, usually opting for a safer option - folding. However, while, as covered, frequent folding is a pivotal part of the game, bluffing can provide you with some great chances to win a few rounds without premium hands. It will also confuse other players who won't be able to read through your strategy that easily.
Other than that, bluffing can also be a fantastic learning tool. The reason for that is simple. When bluffing, you need to think about your opponents and what hand they may have. Also, keep in mind that bluffing online is much easier than when playing at the actual table, as other players won't be able to read your face or gestures. What's more, since beginners tend to avoid bluffing whatsoever, you may catch several more experienced players with your bluffs as they simply won't expect them. Of course, you shouldn't overdo it. Bluffing can provide you with great results, but it's not always worth the risk.
Learn Some Basic Poker Maths
Let's face it, any poker player worth their salt will be able to do the maths needed to take advantage of the odds on offer. Even if you're not a mathematical genius, however, there are some basic concepts you should know in order to help make the right decision when playing online.
One of the most important things to learn is your pot odds. The pot odds are a comparison between the size of the pot and how much it will cost you to complete your draw. If there is $50 in the pot and it costs you $5 to call, then your pot odds are 10:1 (50/5). This means that in order for you to break even on your call over some time (remember poker is played over a long period), one out of every 11 times that you make your hand (i.e., catch one more card) must win at least $50 so as to cover all previous losing hands that folded without catching their card(s).
Think About Ranges, Not Hands
Some people believe that professional players on the world poker tour can always guess the exact hand of their opponent. And while some are able to do that, usually, poker players rely on the so-called "ranges." A range is a wide selection of hands based on their categories. For instance, a range may include all pocket pairs (AA, KK, QQ, etc.), drawing hands, or King-x hands (KA, KQ, KJ, etc.).
Thanks to using such ranges, you won't have to think about all the possible 169 starting hands in Hold'em. Instead, you'll be able to focus on three general ones. Of course, we oversimplify things here, but the general idea behind ranges remains the same. The key here is to observe other players and try to think what hands they might have. Always put other players' hands in range. It will help you understand the game better and allow you to read the table, even if you make mistakes at first, which you will.
Keep Track of Results
Knowing the profit and loss of a certain game is important. You will be able to see what kind of success you are having with that particular game, as well as where your leaks are. This will help you push yourself forward and make better decisions. Usually, online poker sites keep track of your results automatically, so all you have to do is log into your account and check them out.
Play Responsibly
Although poker can't be considered gambling in a literal sense, after all, you're playing against other players. You can still lose real money if you aren't careful. It's vital not to go overboard but to set yourself a limit. Think about how much money you can afford to lose and ensure you quit playing as soon as you reach that amount. You may be tempted to try and win your money back, but it will only lead to more irrational decisions as you'll have to risk more to get the money back.
No Limit Hold'em Table Information
| Stake | Table Name | Blinds | Buy-ins | Rake (%) | Rake Cap (2~3) | Rake Cap (4+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | NLH Diamond | $5 / $10 | $200 ~ $1,000 | 5% | $5 | $10 |
| NLH Platinum | $2 / $5 | $100 ~ $500 | 5% | $4 | $8 | |
| Middle | NLH Gold | $1 / $2 | $40 ~ $200 | 5% | $3 | $6 |
| NLH Silver | $0.5 / $1 | $20 ~ $100 | 5% | $2.50 | $5 | |
| NLH Bronze | $0.25 / $0.5 | $10 ~ $50 | 5% | $2 | $4 | |
| Low | NLH Purple | $0.1 / $0.25 | $5 ~ $25 | 5% | $1 | $2 |
| NLH Red | $0.05 / $0.1 | $2 ~ $10 | 5% | $0.50 | $1 | |
| NLH Blue | $0.02 / $0.05 | $1 ~ $5 | 5% | $0.25 | $0.50 | |
| NLH Yellow | $0.01 / $0.02 | $0.5 ~ $2 | 5% | $0.10 | $0.20 |
VIP Games
| Table Name | Blinds (Ante) | Buy-ins | Rake (%) | Rake Cap (2~3) | Rake Cap (4+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VH Deep | $25 / $50 | $2,500 ~ $10,000 | 5% | $12.50 | $25 |
| $50 / $100 | $5,000 ~ $20,000 | 5% | $17.50 | $35 | |
| $100 / $200 | $10,000 ~ $40,000 | 5% | $20 | $40 | |
| $200 / $400 | $20,000 ~ $80,000 | 5% | $25 | $50 | |
| VH Ante | $25 / $50 ($10) | $2,000 ~ $10,000 | 5% | $12.50 | $25 |
| $50 / $100 ($25) | $4,000 ~ $20,000 | 5% | $17.50 | $35 | |
| $100 / $200 ($50) | $8,000 ~ $40,000 | 5% | $20 | $40 | |
| $200 / $400 ($100) | $16,000 ~ $80,000 | 5% | $25 | $50 | |
| $500 / $1,000 ($200) | $100,000 ~ $200,000 | 5% | $40 | $80 | |
| VH Standard | $25 / $50 | $1,000 ~ $5,000 | 5% | $12.50 | $25 |
| $50 / $100 | $2,000 ~ $10,000 | 5% | $17.50 | $35 | |
| $100 / $200 | $4,000 ~ $20,000 | 5% | $20 | $40 | |
| $200 / $400 | $8,000 ~ $40,000 | 5% | $25 | $50 | |
| VH Straddle | $200 / $400 ($200) | $80,000 ~ $200,000 | 5% | $25 | $50 |
| $500 / $1,000 ($20) | $100,000 ~ $200,000 | 5% | $40 | $80 |
*3-bet pots preflop are raked. In a single raised pot preflop where everyone folds, there is no rake. All pots that see a flop are raked.
*All Hold’em tables are 6-max.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I win big when playing no-limit Texas Hold'em online?
Yes, you can. Of course, it will take a while until you start playing high-stakes cash games, but once you reach that level, there's nothing stopping you from winning thousands of dollars. The best thing about poker is that you can play for as much money as you wish. Whether you want to have some fun and win a few dollars or join a tournament to win big, online poker sites like Natural8 provide you with such an opportunity.
Is it better to play limit or no-limit poker games?
It depends on your personal preference. Generally speaking, both games are popular among online players, although, as covered, no-limit variants have an advantage in the poker community. No-limit Texas Hold'em is more fast-paced and doesn't involve as much strategy and logic. Limit poker, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated and slow-paced, which is why many players find it boring. In general, if you're a beginner, no-limit games might be a better choice.
Is online poker rigged?
No, it's not, as long as you play at reputable poker sites that use reliable poker software. Online poker being rigged is something numerous players claim, but they usually do that when they lose. After all, it's easier to say the game was rigged rather than accept your lack of skill. Long story short, you have nothing to worry about when playing at reputable sites and online casinos such as Natural8.
Where can I play the best no-limit Texas Holdem poker online?
There are numerous sites out there, but not many can match ours. Natural8 is your top poker platform, providing a wide selection of cash games, tournaments, and bonuses, as well as a fantastic and engaging experience. Create your account, claim your bonus, download our app, and see for yourself why we attract the best players!
Are the poker games free?
As a player at Natural8 you'll have a wide range of stake levels for you to choose from. We have free to play games that require no deposit, as well as real money poker and casino games.
Is there a minimum number of players at a No Limit Hold’em table?
Yes, the minimum number of players at a table is 2.
Is there a maximum number of players at a No Limit Hold’em table?
Yes, the maximum number of players at a table is 6.
What does No Limit refer to in Hold’em Poker?
This refers to the amount you can bet at any one time. In this case, there is No Limit so you can bet as much as you want.
What are buy-ins?
Buy-ins refer to the amount of money you have to use to buy into the game. There are different buy-in levels on Natural8, so you can choose the one you are most comfortable with.
What is rake?
Rake is a commission fee taken by a poker room for operating the game. Rake is common in the industry and generally equals 5-10% of the pot in each hand.
Terms & Conditions
- Players must be aged 18 and above to participate in this promotion.
- This game uses 1 deck of 52 cards and the deck is shuffled after each hand.
- Amount committed to the pot will still be in play in the event of a disconnection. Natural8 players accept the risk of internet disconnection, due to problems with the connection between their device(s) and the servers, lag or freeze or some other problem in the player’s device(s) or how that device accesses the internet.
- This promotion is subject to the terms and conditions of the Natural8 website.
- Natural8 is an advocate of safer gambling. If you feel you might have an online gambling problem, do seek further advice or counseling at www.begambleaware.org
