Learn How To Play Poker - Texas Hold 'Em (aka Texas Holdem)

Step 2 Getting Ready to Rumble

The Table
The table typically has anywhere from two to ten players. Tables with four or less players are referred to as "short handed". When there are only two players the game is called "Heads Up".

First Dealer
To determine who begins the game, a single card is dealt face up to each player; high card will be the first "Dealer (D)". (High card is Ace, followed by; K, Q, J, 10 etc.) The Dealer position is indicated by a white plastic chip referred to as the button. After each round of play, or "hand", the dealer button rotates to the left (clockwise), ensuring that everyone gets to play in all positions. <insert naughty pun here>

Blinds
Before the cards are dealt, forced bets, called the "Big Blind (BB)" and the "Small Blind (SB)" (or Little Blind) are made. The Small Blind position is always the seat to the left of the Dealer, and the Big Blind is the seat to the left of the Small Blind. The amounts of the blinds are predetermined, and the Small Blind is usually half the Big Blind.