Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament
Texas Hold ‘Em Poker is a fun game that is quick to learn. We will start off with a tutorial/refresher for anyone who wants to play. The tournament will start at 7:30. Each player will receive $2000 in chips, and an info card which shows the ranks of poker hands, basic rules of the game, and the blind (forced bet) schedule. Players will be randomly assigned to tables, and play will begin as soon as everyone is seated.
An important feature of THEP is forced betting; these bets are called blinds. The first player to the left of the dealer bets the small blind and the player to the left of the small blind bets the big blind (double the small blind). These two players must make these bets, no matter what cards they may be holding. Other players at the table who wish to stay in the hand must also bet at least the amount of the big blind, but they can fold if they don’t want to bet at all. This ensures there is always a pot. The amount of the blinds is predetermined based on the “blind schedule” which is printed on your info card. The blinds go up every 20-30 minutes.
Each player is initially dealt two cards, called ‘hole cards’. These cards are not shown to the other players. Through a series of betting rounds, the dealer deals 5 community cards face up. Once all the betting rounds are over, and all the cards have been dealt, players who have not folded make the best 5-card poker hand from the combination of hole cards and community cards.
This is just a brief overview; detailed instructions will be given out at the RG. Don't worry if it seems complicated, last year's winner had never played before! You can't win if you don't play, so put on your lucky hat, and get a seat at the table!