 
How To Play Fixed-Limit Texas Hold 'em
Without doubt, poker is the most alluring card game in the world. Millions log on daily to their favourite online casino to play a few rounds with others across the globe in the hope of giving themselves a chance to win big money. However, this lure can be dangerous, like that of a Siren calling to inexperienced players who all-too-easily part with their hard-earned money. Following this guide before heading on your own Odyssey will ensure that you, like Orpheus, are equipped to drown out those alluring voices and return to Thessaly with your own Golden Fleece.
The good news is that you do not immediately have to play for real money. There are plenty of casinos online who offer play-for-free tables, which allow "junior" members the chance to learn the game and its intricacies. Even with this guide, it is important that you exercise caution before leaping in at the deep end. As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect.
Before you join a paying game, you will notice that there are a number of stakes available, namely Fixed-Limit, Spread-Limit, Half-Pot Limit, Pot-Limit or No-Limit. As a beginner, stick to low amount Fixed-Limit games, for example $1/$2 stakes. The first amount ($1) refers to the amount that can be bet on the flop (see below). The second amount is the regular betting amount, so once the "Turn" card is dealt (see below), the betting amount doubles (in this case to $2).
Once you are proverbially seated at a table, you will notice that - dependent on where you are seated at the table - only some of the players are required to bet initially. These are called the Blind Bets, as there are no cards to be seen when they are made. This is done to ensure a constant pot (amount to be won). The player closest to the dealer will place what is known as the Small Blind bet, equivalent to half the table's lower stake (in the case of our example, 50?). The player sitting-in clockwise around the table and on the left of the Small Blind will play a Big Blind, equal to the lower limit on the table.
Following the Blind Bets, the game is set to begin for real. The Dealer places two Pocket Cards face down to each player, though not consecutively but passing clockwise around the table.
The first betting round commences, with players wagering bets on the two cards they hold in their hands alone. Remember, at this stage we are still betting the lower table limit, $1. After this first betting round comes the Flop, the first two community cards placed face-up on the table. These cards are available for each player to add to their final hand, but as yet the game is still on its lower betting limit. Again the active player left of the dealer leads the second betting round on the lower stake, calling and raising around the table until the fourth community card is dealt, the Turn.
As the Turn dramatically raises the stakes of any game - in that suddenly the potential for both good hands and bad is made manifest - the third betting round which follows it hits the higher stake level. Now the betting stakes on our fixed-limit game is raised to $2.
Once betting is resolved, the fifth and final community card is placed on the board by the Dealer. There is no more room for surprises, as all cards have been dealt. This next round of betting - the fourth - is also the last round of betting, after which comes the Showdown, where each player must reveal his hand.
Quite literally, the best hand wins, and while the House will inform you of the winning hand in an online poker room it is also valuable to be aware of the different strengths of hand before you join the table. There are no prizes for second place, so being unaware that a flush beats a straight will be no consolation when the pot disappears to the player across the table. Still, when playing a game for free, players are afforded a forgiving chance to learn the hard way.
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