No that’s not an earthquake…just movement at the top shifting our leader board as we have 4 point nights remaining in this season – it will be an interesting next couple of weeks. This is where we will test wills of those in the lead to see how that may change their style of play. Continue playing aggressive to keep your lead? Play safe, with the fear of making a mistake that will cost you the top? Psychology experts would suggest maintaining your style but none of us are experts and there is certainly no lack of aggressive play…I’m excited to see who will crack. Good luck!
This week’s poker rules reminder (Ah-hhhhemmm Dean…)
The cards are shuffled and cut, the dealer “burns” one card and then deals the cards one at a time face down until each player has two cards. These are known as the player’s hole cards or pocket cards. Players may look at their two hole cards and must not show them to any other player.
The first betting round is begun by the player to the left of the big blind. The blinds count as bets, so the small blind need only pay the difference between the blinds to call. The big blind player acts last and is allowed to raise, even if the other active players have all called.
After the first betting round the dealer burns one card and deals three cards face up to the table. These three cards are known as the flop. There is then a second betting round begun by the first active player to the left of the dealer seat.
When the second betting round is complete, the dealer burns a card and then deals one card face up to the table. This card is known as the turn or fourth street. There is then a third betting round, again begun by the first active player to the left of the dealer seat.
After the third betting round the dealer burns another card and deals one more card face up – the river or fifth street. There is fourth and final round of betting before the showdown, again begun by the first active player to the left of the dealer seat.