There is a marker (normally a small plastic disc) called the dealer button that indicates which player is the dealer. Action is always initiated to the left of the dealer and continues in a clockwise manner.

At the end of each hand the button is moved clockwise to the next player, who then becomes the dealer.

Each player is dealt two cards called 'pocket cards' which should not be revealed to other players. At a later stage five community cards will be dealt face up in the center of the table - each player must make their best possible 5 card poker hand using any 5 of the 7 cards they can see (their 2 pocket cards and the 5 comunity cards).

Because the small & big blinds have already started the pot, the player to the left of the big blind is the first to bet. Each player has these options:

FOLD - Throw in their hand and forfeit the game.
CALL - Make a bet equivalent to the last bet - at the start of the game the 'last' bet placed was by the big blind.
RAISE - Make a bet equivalent to the last bet plus an additional bet.

Betting continues in a clockwise manner until all players remaining in the hand have an equivalent stake in the pot.

After the initial betting round three community cards are dealt face up in the center of the table - this is called the 'flop' and can be used by all players to make up their hand.

The second betting round is now started by the player to the dealers left. Players now have another betting option called 'check'

CHECK - If no bets have been made then the player can opt to make no bet and control is then passed onto the player to their left.

At the end of the second betting round the fourth community card is dealt which is called the 'turn'.

The third betting round is now started by the player to the dealers left.

After the third betting round is finished the fifth and final community card is dealt, this is called the 'river' or 'fifth street'.

A final betting round is now initiated by the player to the dealers

Once the final betting round is complete the remaining players must show their cards to see who wins the pot. The player to the dealers left must first show their cards and then the remain players, in order, can opt to fold or show their cards.

The player with the highest 5 card poker hand made up from their 2 pocket cards and the 5 community cards wins the pot. In the event of 2 or more players having equivalent high hands the pot is split equally.

Now that you know the basic rules and format of Texas Hold'em you should be a bit more comfortable with sitting down at a table.

The best way to start learning is to go to an online poker room and join in a game. Most online poker rooms allow you to play for free, and you will be playing with beginners and experienced players alike.

Online poker rooms also have a chat facility so that you can talk with your opponents. If you meet a situation you are unfamiliar with then simply ask a fellow player, most will be happy to help you as long as you do not reveal your cards (in a free play game). It is usualy best to ask questions about a hand after it has been completed.

If the online poker room doesn't have any seats available at tables with games on, or there are no tables currently with games, then sit down at an empty table and you will soon be joined by more players.