1. Every player is dealt two cards face down. These are called hole or pocket cards.

2. The players place their bets before looking at their cards. When the player directly to the dealer’s left places his or her bet, it’s called “putting out the small blind,” while player two “puts out the big blind.”

3. The first move falls on the player to the left of the big blind. They can call the bet (matching the wagered amount), raise it (increase the bet) or fold (forfeit the hand). Betting continues clockwise around the table.

4. After the betting is completed, three cards are dealt face-up in the center of the table. The first three cards are called the flop. These are cards everyone will use with their own cards to make the best hand.

5. From the flop on, betting begins with the player to the dealer’s left, who can check or bet. A fourth card, or the turn, is dealt face-up onto the board, followed by another round of betting.

6. The final card, or the river, is dealt face-up. A final round of betting occurs. The remaining players show their cards and the person who can make the best five-card hand by combining their pocket cards with the cards on the table wins.