Learn How To Play Poker: Texas Hold 'em

Texas Holdem is no longer new. Most people are familiar with this game which has been popular with not only the American public but the entire world for at least a decade. There are books on how to win at Texas Holdem, as well as strategy guides. Tournaments are televised and many people have won amazing sums of money playing this game.

Before you can win Texas Holdem, you have to understand the game. Each player is dealt two cards face down. There are then four cards in the middle. Each player can use the cards in the middle to make his hand. No one knows what each player is holding in their hands, but everyone knows what the flop cards are.

Now if you are holding two aces and there is an ace in the flop, you know that no one else can beat your three aces. If there are two aces in the flop and you have two, you are a shoo in to win the game because the only other hand that can beat you is a straight flush. Take a look at the flop and what you have. Chances of someone having a straight flush are very slim in a stud game, which is what Texas Holdem basically is.

A stud game is when the cards you are dealt is all you get. A draw game is when you have an opportunity to toss away cards and get new ones.

If you have a pair of Jacks or less with the flop, fold. Never stay in with such a hand. A hand that beats Texas Holdem is usually at least two pair. Whether you decide to stay in with a pair of aces is up to you and should depend on what everyone else is doing. If they are all betting and calling bets, then chances are that they have something better than a pair.

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone bluffs in poker. Unless you are playing with pure professionals, most new players either are afraid to bluff or do not know how. This does not mean you should fold with a full house because someone is acting like they have four of a kind, but it also does not mean that you should stay in with a pair of aces when everyone else is also in the pot and someone is raising. Fold.

Texas Holdem is poker with a little twist. Most people who play poker know a bunch of poker games that are similar to Texas Holdem. It just so happens that Texas Holdem has become a very popular poker game. The rules are the same when it comes to strategy for this game as they are for any other type of poker.

Never let anyone bluff you out of the game when you are holding a good hand and go out when you have a less than a pair of Jacks. As the song goes, "know when to hold em, know when to fold em."

What's Happening in Oroville for Sept. 8

* Cartooning and art classes Six sessions, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays Sept. 8 to Oct. 13, at Oroville Municipal Auditorium; ages 7 to adult.

SPORTS NOTEBOOK: Sept. 8

Tryouts, golf tournaments, other events, clubs and activities in the Plymouth area.

Celebrate Brazil Independence Day

Independence Day is the day that Brazil celebrates its independence. The Brazilian nation was born on 7 th September 1822 when Prince Pedro declared, "By my blood, by my honor, and by God: I will make Brazil free." He later became Emperor of Brazil and won independence from the Portuguese.

Community Calendar: Sept. 7, 2010

PELION BAND’S ALL CAR, TRUCK AND BIKE SHOW: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 18, Pelion High School, 510 Main St., Pelion. Registration for the show, 9 a.m.-noon. Judging begins at 12:30 p.m. Also includes drawings, silent auction, door prizes and entertainment. Proceeds benefit the band. (803) 465-0423; www.pelionbandallcartruckandbikeshow.com

Charity Briefs

Teens wash cars The Top Teens of America South Suburban Chicago Chapter (sponsored by Top Ladies of Distinction Inc.) will host car wash from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church, 4247 W. 183rd St., Country Club Hills. Donation is $8, which includes interior and exterior services. Proceeds support chapter programs. Classic car raffle Park Lawn and Seguin Services are holding a ...