How to play the game of texas holdem poker

The game of texas holdem poker begins with two players to the left of the dealer placing out a predetermined amount called a blind, (called posting the blinds). Each player is dealt two hole cards. The player left of the blinds is first to act. He can call the blind, raise or fold. Each player during this round of betting must at least call the big blind to stay in the game. If anyone raises, all persons who wish to stay in must call the raise. This portion is called pre-flop.
Three community cards are dealt face up (the flop). Beginning with the player directly left of the dealer, each person initially has the option to check or bet. If anyone bets out, all players must call that bet (or raise) to remain in the hand.
After all betting on the flop is completed, one community card is dealt face up (the turn). Again, a round of betting occurs. All players must match the bets to remain in the hand.
After all betting on the turn is completed, the last community card is dealt (the river). This begins the last round of betting. After all bets are placed, the remaining players have a showdown. The winner is the person who can make the best 5-card poker hand, using a combination of their hole cards and the community cards. The pot goes to the winner of the hand.