Betting Rules for Online Texas Hold'em

• As per normal poker rules - playing and betting proceeds in a clockwise direction.
• The two players immediately to the left of the Dealer post the blind bets.
• Small Blind (the player who sits to the immediate left of the Dealer) bets an amount equal to half the lower betting limit.
• Big Blind (the player who sits to the left of the Small Blind) posts an amount equal to the lower betting limit.
• Betting increments in the game determine the blinds. In a game of $2 and $4 betting increments, the small blind is $1, and the big blind is $2.
• The blind bets in Texas Hold'em are considered as active bets, and therefore, players have the option to check, fold, call, and raise when the betting action returns to their position.
• Only one bet, and three raises per player are allowed on the first round.
• Players cannot "check" in the first round, as Blinds are bets, and not antes. (The exception is the player who posted the big blind, as long as no one has raised.)
• Second and subsequent betting rounds - options are to check, fold, bet, or raise.
• All bets must be placed according to the game's betting increments.
• There are four possible betting rounds in Texas Hold'em poker. Each bet and raise during the first two rounds is set at the lower limit of the stakes structure, and for the last two rounds at a higher limit structure. For example in a $1/$2 Texas Hold'em game, all bets and raises are $1 for the first two rounds (after pocket cards are dealt and after the flop). All bets and raises are $2 for the last two rounds (after the turn and after the river).
• The maximum number of bets allowed per player during any betting round in Texas Hold'em poker is four. This includes a (1) bet, (2) raise, (3) re-raise, and (4) cap. The term cap is used to describe the 3rd raise in a round since further raises are not allowed. Once capped, players only have the options of calling or folding.
• In betting rounds where players have folded, the first active player to the left of the Disc/Dealer is first to act.
• To ensure fairness for all players, new players entering a Texas Hold'em game are required to post the equivalent of the big blind if they wish to participate in the next hand. All players have the option of sitting out and waiting for the actual big blind to come around to their position before starting play.
• By preventing players from constantly entering poker games in a late position and leaving before they're required to post a blind, these rules stop potential abuse of the online environment.