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In Texas Holdem, after players place required blinds or antes (see the Robert's Rules of Poker in the upper right for basic structure rules), all players receive two down cards which remain hidden until the final showdown of hands. After the first two cards are dealt, a round of betting occurs. Next, three community cards are turned over at the same time. This is called the flop. Another round of betting follows. Then a fourth community card is exposed, the turn card, followed by another betting round. Finally a fifth community is dealt, the river card, and a last round of betting ensues.

After the completion of all betting comes the showdown. Players make hands by using the best five-card combination of their two personal cards and the five community cards. A player may use one or both cards out of their hand, or use only the five community cards.

A dealer button rotates around the table so each player is in the dealer's position once a round. Normally two blinds are used, but other structures, including antes instead of or in addition to blinds can be used.