How to deal Texas Hold'em at a home game
Dealing Texas Hold’em is simple once you know the order. The dealer shuffles, the blinds are posted, two cards go to each player one at a time, and then the board is dealt with a burn card before the flop, turn and river. At home the deal usually rotates with the button.
Step by step
Section titled “Step by step”- Shuffle well (riffle three or four times) and let the player on your right cut.
- Make sure the small and big blind are posted. See blinds.
- Deal hole cards clockwise, one card at a time, starting with the small blind, until everyone has two.
- Preflop betting starts with the player left of the big blind.
- Burn one card face down, then deal the flop: three cards face up.
- Betting round starting with the first active player left of the button.
- Burn one card, deal the turn. Betting round.
- Burn one card, deal the river. Final betting round.
- Showdown: the last aggressor shows first; others show or muck. Push the pot to the winner. Split it if hands tie. See side pots and split pots.
- Move the button one seat to the left.
Why burn cards?
Section titled “Why burn cards?”Burning protects against a marked or seen top card. It’s standard in every casino.
Dealer tips
Section titled “Dealer tips”- Keep the deck low and flat so nobody sees the bottom card.
- Say the action out loud: “Raise to 300, action on you.”
- Gather bets into the middle only when the round is over.
- If a card is exposed during the deal, follow the house rule; see misdeals and rulings.
Need a structure?
Section titled “Need a structure?”Use our home game guide for chips, blinds and a full tournament schedule.
Who deals first in Texas Hold’em?
Section titled “Who deals first in Texas Hold’em?”The dealer gives the first card to the small blind, then continues clockwise.
What is a burn card?
Section titled “What is a burn card?”A card dealt face down and out of play before the flop, turn and river.
How many cards are burned in Hold’em?
Section titled “How many cards are burned in Hold’em?”Three: one before the flop, one before the turn and one before the river.
Who shows first at showdown?
Section titled “Who shows first at showdown?”The last player who bet or raised on the river; if nobody bet, usually the first player left of the button.