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Rules of Poker
Texas Hold’em at Pikes Peak Poker
At Pikes Peak Poker, we follow the official Texas Hold’em rules, aligned with TDA (Tournament Directors Association) standards. These rules keep our games fair, fun, and consistent across every table in Colorado Springs. Whether you’re brand new or chasing Pro standings, this page gives you everything you need to know before you play.
Texas Hold’em is the most popular version of poker worldwide, often called the “Cadillac of poker”. It takes minutes to learn but a lifetime to master — and it’s the game we play at every Pikes Peak Poker event.
Play of the Hand
Each player is dealt two hole cards face down.
The first betting round begins with the player to the left of the big blind.
Play continues clockwise with opportunities to check, bet, call, raise, or fold on each street: the flop, the turn, and the river.
Players still in the hand reveal their cards at the showdown. The best five-card hand wins the pot.
Note: Players may use both, one, or none of their hole cards with the community cards to form their best hand. If two or more players tie, the pot is split evenly.
Play of the Hand
Each player is dealt two hole cards face down.
The first betting round begins with the player to the left of the big blind.
Three community cards (the flop) are dealt face up. A second betting round follows.
A fourth card (the turn) is dealt face up. Another round of betting follows.
A fifth and final card (the river) is dealt face up. One final round of betting occurs.
Players still in the hand reveal their cards at the showdown. The best five-card hand wins the pot.
Note: Players may use both, one, or none of their hole cards with the community cards to form their best hand. If two or more players tie, the pot is split evenly.
Hand Rankings
From lowest to highest:
1
High Card
Highest single card wins. Kickers (next highest cards) break ties.
2
Pair
Two cards of the same rank. Kickers decide ties.
3
Two Pair
Two separate pairs. The higher pair wins; the fifth card is a kicker.
4
Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank. Kickers break ties.
5
Straight
Five cards in sequence. Ace can be high or low.
6
Flush
Five cards of the same suit. The highest card determines the winner.
7
Full House
Three of a kind plus a pair. The best three of a kind wins.
8
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank. The fifth card kicker breaks ties.
9
Straight Flush
Five sequential cards of the same suit.
10
Royal Flush
10-J-Q-K-A, all of the same suit. The best possible hand.
Betting Variations
We use the three standard Texas Hold’em formats:
Limit Hold’em
Bets and raises are fixed amounts.
Pre-flop and flop rounds use the “small bet.”
Turn and river rounds use the “big bet” (double the small).
Betting is capped at three raises per round unless only two players remain.
Limit Hold’em
Bets and raises are fixed amounts.
Pre-flop and flop rounds use the “small bet.”
Turn and river rounds use the “big bet” (double the small).
Betting is capped at three raises per round unless only two players remain.
Pot Limit Hold’em
Maximum bet equals the size of the current pot.
Example: If the pot has 100 chips, the max bet is 100.
Pot Limit Hold’em
Maximum bet equals the size of the current pot.
Example: If the pot has 100 chips, the max bet is 100.
No Limit Hold’em
Players can bet any amount, up to all their chips (“all-in”).
Minimum raise must equal the previous raise.
No Limit Hold’em
Players can bet any amount, up to all their chips (“all-in”).
Minimum raise must equal the previous raise.
Blinds and the Dealer Button
A dealer button rotates clockwise each hand.
Two players post blinds before cards are dealt:
- Small Blind: Player immediately left of the button.
- Big Blind: Player immediately left of the small blind; this is the minimum bet.
After blinds are posted, the first betting round begins with the player left of the big blind.
After the flop, turn, and river, action starts with the first active player left of the button.
In tournaments, blinds increase at set intervals to keep the pace moving.
Blinds and the Dealer Button
A dealer button rotates clockwise each hand.
Two players post blinds before cards are dealt:
- Small Blind: Player immediately left of the button.
- Big Blind: Player immediately left of the small blind; this is the minimum bet.
After blinds are posted, the first betting round begins with the player left of the big blind.
After the flop, turn, and river, action starts with the first active player left of the button.
In tournaments, blinds increase at set intervals to keep the pace moving.
Side Pots
When a player goes all-in and cannot cover future bets:
The main pot includes the maximum amount every player matched.
Any extra bets form one or more side pots, contested only by players who contributed to them.
Multiple side pots may be created if multiple players are all-in.
Side pots are awarded first; the main pot is awarded last.
Misdeals
A misdeal may be declared if:
The dealer exposes the first or second card dealt.
A player receives too many or too few cards.
Cards are dealt out of order.
Cards are dealt to a seat with no player.
When a misdeal occurs, the hand is void and re-dealt.
Showdown Rules
The last aggressor (the last player to bet or raise on the river) shows their hand first.
If there was no bet on the final round, showdown begins left of the dealer button.
All cards must be tabled to win. Mucked hands cannot claim a pot.
If hands are identical in rank, the pot is split evenly.
Etiquette and Conduct
Poker is competitive, but respect comes first. To keep games enjoyable for everyone:
Act in turn. Players acting out of turn may be limited to calling.
No string betting. Announce your action clearly.
Keep chips visible at all times.
Phones and devices may be used but must not delay play.
No collusion. Players may not discuss live hands or folded cards.
No “rabbit hunting” — you cannot ask to see what cards would have come next.
Respect dealers and fellow players. Abusive behavior may lead to removal.
Showdown Rules
The last aggressor (the last player to bet or raise on the river) shows their hand first.
If there was no bet on the final round, showdown begins left of the dealer button.
All cards must be tabled to win. Mucked hands cannot claim a pot.
If hands are identical in rank, the pot is split evenly.
Etiquette and Conduct
Poker is competitive, but respect comes first. To keep games enjoyable for everyone:
Act in turn. Players acting out of turn may be limited to calling.
No string betting. Announce your action clearly.
Keep chips visible at all times.
Phones and devices may be used but must not delay play.
No collusion. Players may not discuss live hands or folded cards.
No “rabbit hunting” — you cannot ask to see what cards would have come next.
Respect dealers and fellow players. Abusive behavior may lead to removal.
Tournament and Pro Guidelines
For Pro events and Bar Poker Open qualifiers:
Registration
Players must sign up on time to secure a seat.
Registration
Players must sign up on time to secure a seat.
Blind Levels
Blinds increase on a fixed schedule (announced in advance).
Blind Levels
Blinds increase on a fixed schedule (announced in advance).
Player Check-In Requirement
Registered players must be checked in and seated at least 5 minutes before cards fly.
Player Check-In Requirement
Registered players must be checked in and seated at least 5 minutes before cards fly.
Starting Stacks
Everyone begins with the same number of chips.
Starting Stacks
Everyone begins with the same number of chips.
Late Arrivals
Rebuys/Entries
Only allowed if announced for that event.
Rebuys/Entries
Only allowed if announced for that event.
Standings
Pro players earn tracked points toward finals.
Standings
Pro players earn tracked points toward finals.
Conduct
Unsportsmanlike behavior, cheating, or collusion can result in penalties or disqualification.
Conduct
Unsportsmanlike behavior, cheating, or collusion can result in penalties or disqualification.
Final Note
These rules are here to make every game fun, fair, and competitive. If you’re new, review this page before you play. If you’re experienced, thank you for helping us keep the league running smoothly.
Pikes Peak Poker is proud to be Colorado Springs’ largest free poker league — and we can’t wait to see you at the tables.