Poker 101: Community Card Poker
Community Card Poker
Some poker games feature "community cards." These are cards dealt facing up on the table and are free for all players to use. These cards are also known as 'window" or "shared" cards. Aside from these, each person is given cards facing down known as "hole" or "pocket" cards. The number of cards that are dealt depends on set rules. A player may combine these shared and hidden cards to make their poker hand.
Structure of Community Card Poker Games
Every community card game begins with a mandatory bet from some or all players. Betting may or may not be restricted. In no limit games, a player can bet on their chips at any time in the game. In limit games, betting may be capped up to specified limits. In pot limit games, the maximum bet is whatever the amount already in the pot (collected bets from all players). The betting structure of a poker game dramatically influences how the game plays out.
Winning Hands in Community Card Poker
Most community card games rule that the highest poker hand wins at the showdown. But in some variants, known as "lowball" games, it is the lowest hand that wins. In yet other games, known as split-pot games, the pot is shared by the highest and lowest hand. Usually in split-pot games, the low hand must first qualify as a low hand under set rules.
Community Card Game Variants
The most popular community card game of all is Texas Holdem. It originated sometime in the 1920s. This poker game owes much of its fame to the wide television coverage it receives. The major world tournaments feature Texas Holdem. It is the first game most poker players learn.
Texas Holdem can be played by 2-10 players. It opens with blind bets. Two hole cards are dealt to each player. This is followed by a betting round proceeding clockwise from the player to the left of the players who posted the blinds. Then three community cards known as the "flop" are dealt. Next is a second betting round and a fourth shared card called the "turn." Another betting round and a fifth community card, the "river" come next. Then there is a final betting round and then a showdown if more than one player is left. If only one player is left, they automatically win the pot without having to show their cards.
Like in other poker games, players in Texas Holdem can bet, fold, check, call and raise depending on the situation in a betting round. Players will generally bet and raise if they are happy with their cards, and check (pass) or fold if they are unhappy with them. But since it is possible to win without showing one's cards, "bluffing" possible. Where normally a player would fold or check, a bluffing player knowingly bets on a poor hand hoping everyone else will fold.
