Hollywood Poker Night: Having Fun While Networking

Hollywood is all about creating your network of friends around town. Over the last few decades, one of the preferred ways of building, growing, and nurturing this network is to have a poker night, where people (from assistants to executives) gather for a bit of fun. Of the different versions of poker, “Texas Hold ‘em” is the most popular. So, knowing how to play is important. Get ready to channel your inner Matt Damon in “Rounders” as we take you on a thrilling journey through the ins and outs of this iconic poker variant.

Hierarchy of Hands in Poker

First, you need to know the hierarchy of hands in poker. The hierarchy of hands determines the value and strength of each player’s cards. Mastering this essential aspect is key to prevailing over your opponents and clinching victory. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Poker hands[i] from lowest to highest:

High Card: The most basic hand, consisting of no pairs or combinations. Aces are the highest cards, and twos are the lowest in Texas Hold’em. In case no player has any hand with pairs or better, the player with the highest-ranking card in their hand wins. If two players have the same high card, the next highest card is compared, and so on.
One Pair: Formed when a player has two cards of the same rank along with three unrelated cards (e.g., 9-9-J-7-3). The higher the pair, the stronger the hand. If two players have one pair, the player with the higher-ranking pair wins. If both have the same pair, the highest side card (kicker) determines the winner.
Two Pair: A hand with two pairs of cards of the same rank along with one unrelated card (e.g., J-J-8-8-3). If two players have two pairs, the player with the highest-ranking pair wins. If both have the same highest pair, the second pair is considered. If still tied, the highest kicker decides the winner.
Three of a Kind: Consists of three cards of the same rank, along with two unrelated cards (e.g., 10-10-10-A-3). The higher the rank of the three cards, the stronger the hand.
Straight: A sequence of five consecutive cards of any suit. For example, 4-5-6.7-8. The highest straight, called a “Broadway” or “Royal Straight,” is A-K-Q-J-10.
Flush: A hand with five cards of the same suit (e.g., ♠, ♣, ♥, or ♦), not in sequence. The highest-ranking card within the flush determines the winner in case of a tie.
Full House: A combination of three of a kind and one pair (e.g., 7-7-7-3-3). The player with the highest-ranking three cards wins if multiple players have a full house. If two players have the same three of a kind, the pair’s rank is used to break the tie.
Four of a Kind: Comprises four cards of the same rank along with one unrelated card (e.g., 9-9-9-9-J). The higher the rank of the four cards, the stronger the hand.
Straight Flush: A combination of a straight and a flush, with five consecutive cards of the same suit. For example, 4-5-6-7-8 of hearts.
Royal Flush: The crème de la crème of Poker hands, a straight flush from 10 to Ace, all in the same suit (e.g., A-K-Q-J-10 of clubs). A rare and awe-inspiring sight and beats every other hand.

Remember, understanding the hierarchy of hands is just the beginning. Skillful betting, reading opponents, and mastering strategy are equally vital to becoming a Poker maestro. Next, let’s look at how a round of Texas Hold’em is played.

Texas Hold ‘Em: What is it?

There are many versions of poker as you know (e.g., 5 card stud, etc), but as we’ve said, the most popular in Hollywood is the good ole “Texas Hold ‘em” (which isn’t that old)[ii]. Below we review the rules of this version of poker.

Positions

In Texas Hold’em, players are assigned different positions during a hand. These positions play a crucial role in determining the order of betting and the advantage a player may have. The key positions in Texas Hold’em are (with a diagram from Upswing Poker):

Button (Dealer): The button, also known as the dealer position, is the most advantageous spot at the table. The player seated on the button acts as the dealer for that hand. After each hand, the button rotates clockwise to the next player, ensuring that all players have an equal opportunity to act last during different hands.
Small Blind: The player sitting to the left of the button is in the “small blind” position. The small blind is a forced bet that is usually half the size of the minimum bet for that specific table (e.g., if the minimum bet is $2, the small blind must initial bet $1). Since this player has already placed a bet, they will act second-to-last in the first betting round.
Big Blind: The player to the left of the small blind occupies the “big blind” position. The big blind is a compulsory bet, typically equal to the minimum bet for that table. Like the small blind, the big blind player gets the opportunity to act last in the first betting round.
Early Positions: The players to the left of the big blind are in early positions. These positions include “Under-the-Gun” (UTG) and UTG+1. Players in these positions act first in the pre-flop betting round (described below) and generally have less information about other players’ hands.
Middle Positions: The players between the early positions and the late positions are considered to be in the middle positions. They have some advantage over the early positions as they get to observe the actions of the players who have already acted.
Late Positions: The players in the late positions, such as the Cut-Off (CO) and Hijack (HJ), are towards the right side of the dealer button. They have a significant advantage as they get to act last in the betting rounds post-flop. They have more information about the actions of other players, which can help them make more informed decisions.

Understanding the positions in Texas Hold’em is essential for developing a solid poker strategy. Players in late positions have the advantage of better information, whereas players in early positions need to exercise caution as they act with less knowledge about their opponents’ intentions. Being on the button is often seen as the most favorable position due to the opportunity to act last on every post-flop betting round.

The Order of Play

Next, we’ll review one round of play and how it works – of course, as Hollywood people, let’s use Act breaks to explain it.

The Prelude: Setting the Stage

Picture this: dimmed lights, the clinking of chips (avoid this in real life, please), and a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Texas Hold ’em Poker is a thrilling game of strategy, cunning, and nerve.

As the curtains rise, the dealer shuffles the cards. Depending on the minimums, the small blind and the big blind each make the first bets before any cards are dealt – get it they’re betting “blind”. The big blind’s bet is the minimum bet and the small blind’s bet is half of the big blind’s bet. For example, in $1/$2 Texas Hold’em game, the small blind has to bet $1 and the big blind bets $2.

Once the blind bets are made, the dealer deals out the cards, starting with the small blind going clockwise, ending with themselves. Each player receives two private cards (hole cards), which they keep hidden from all the other players.

Act I: The Pre-Flop Drama

As the first act unfolds, after receiving the hold cards, the pre-flop drama sets the stage for the main event. The “Pre-Flop” is the betting round that happens after the hole cards are dealt but before the first three community cards (i.e., the “Flop”) are dealt. You have three choices: fold (discarding your cards), call (matching the big blind), or raise (increase the bet – with a minimum raise being 2x the big blind). Decisions at this stage will define your path to victory or lead to an untimely exit – and humiliating defeat in front of your friends (just kidding, they’re not really your friends).

If someone raises, the betting round continues. Note, each betting round ends when all players have an opportunity to act (i.e., to fold, call, or raise) and once all the players who haven’t folded have bet the same amount of money for that round. If only one player remains after the betting round (e.g., everyone else has folded), then they take the pot.

After the Pre-Flop betting ends (and if no one has won the pot because everyone else folded), the dealer deals the “Flop” – three cards that are put in the middle of the table, which act as “community” cards.

Short commercial break:

Now we see how Texas Hold‘em is played: each player has 2 hole cards, there are (eventually) five community cards (3 cards dealt in the “Flop”, 1 card dealt in the “Turn”, and 1 card dealt in the “River” – see below) visible to all. After each of these rounds are dealt (i.e., the Flop, Turn and the River), the players have a betting round, as described above. The players then try to get the best hand combining their hole cards (one or both of them) and the five cards on the table.

By the way, it’s these multiple rounds of betting that creates the excitement in this game, and part of what’s made Texas Hold’em so popular.

OK, now back to the show – where the 3 community cards (or Flop) have been dealt.

Act II: The Flop – The Plot Thickens

With the first three community cards revealed, the plot thickens. This is known as “The Flop.” These shared cards can complement your hole cards, creating potential winning hands. Analyze the possibilities and use your best poker face to keep your opponents guessing.

Again, there is another round of betting, where each player gets to act – fold, call, raise. Now time for the “Turn.”

Act III: The Turn – Building Suspense

As the dealer lays down the fourth community card, aptly named “The Turn,” the tension intensifies. Another round of betting ensues. Your hand’s potential becomes clearer, and strategic players may begin to assert dominance. Betting strategies vary, with some choosing to slow-play, luring opponents in, while others raise the stakes to put pressure on their adversaries.

Act IV: The River – The Final Showdown

The climax of the game approaches with the final community card, “The River”, being dealt face up. Now, armed with all five community cards and your two hole cards, it’s time to make your final move (if you haven’t folded of course). Whether you’re holding a winning hand or bluffing your way through, the River will determine your fate. Proceed wisely, as fortunes can be made or lost in these final moments.

The Encore: Showdown and Winner’s Glory

The tension reaches its zenith during the showdown. Players still in the game reveal their hands, and the player with the best combination of five cards takes the pot. Remember, a winning hand can be as basic as a pair of twos or as prestigious as a royal flush. In poker, surprises are par for the course.

The Epilogue: Etiquette and Sportsmanship

As the chips are stacked and players disperse, remember the importance of etiquette and sportsmanship. Poker is as much about social interaction as it is about strategy. Be gracious in victory and defeat, and above all, have fun.

Strategies for Success

Playing Texas Hold’em is a blend of skill, strategy, and chance. Strategy plays a big role and is essential. Below are some strategies on how and when to play a hand, when to fold, call, or raise, and the art of betting.

1. Playing a Hand: Starting Strong

Starting with the right hand is crucial in Texas Hold’em. Before jumping into a hand, familiarize yourself with the hand rankings, as some starting hands are stronger than others. Hands like pocket aces (two aces in your hand) and high pairs (e.g., A-A, K-K, Q-Q) are excellent starting hands, sometimes called “Monsters”. The “decent” hands include other high-pairs (e.g., J-J, 10-10). On the other hand, hands with low potential like 7-2 off-suit should typically be folded immediately.

2. Position Matters: Understanding Table Position

Your position at the table can significantly impact your decisions. Being in a late position (see above) gives you more information about your opponents’ actions, allowing you to make more informed decisions. Play more aggressively when in a late position and be cautious when in an early position.

3. To Fold or Not to Fold: Assessing Your Hand

Knowing when to fold is vital to your success in Texas Hold’em. If your hand is weak or unlikely to improve with the community cards, folding is the best option. Don’t fall into the trap of holding onto weak hands in hopes of a miracle; it’s a recipe for disaster. Trust your judgment and fold when necessary.

You’ll hear the term playing “tight” or playing “loose”. Playing tight means playing only strong staring hands (e.g., A-A, K-K) and folding otherwise. Playing loose means that you play even weaker hands.

4. The Art of Betting: Bet Sizing and Timing

Betting is a delicate skill that can sway the outcome of a hand. Your bet size should reflect the strength of your hand and the overall table dynamics. A small bet may entice others to call, while a large bet can scare them away. Be mindful of your opponents’ tendencies and adjust your bet sizes accordingly.

Timing your bets is also crucial. Sometimes, a well-timed bluff can be effective, but it should be used sparingly and with caution. Look for opportunities when the board appears favorable for your hand or when your opponents seem uncertain.

5. Reading Your Opponents: Spotting Tells

Observing your opponents for “tells” can provide valuable insights into their hands. Look for subtle changes in their behavior, such as shaking hands, changes in breathing, or hesitations before betting. Keep in mind that tells are not foolproof, and some players may use them as a deception tactic.

6. Calculated Risks: When to Raise

Raising can be a powerful move when used wisely. Raising allows you to gain control of the betting and potentially narrow the field, giving you a better chance of winning. Use this move with strong hands or when you sense weakness from your opponents.

Practice, Patience, and Perseverance

Finally, becoming a skilled Texas Hold’em player takes practice, patience, and perseverance. Don’t be disheartened by losses, as they are part of the game. Continuously study the game, learn from your mistakes, and review your play to improve over time.

Final Thoughts: Your Poker Odyssey Begins

Armed with these fundamental guidelines, you’re now prepared to embark on your poker odyssey with your friends in Hollywood. Practice, observe, and refine your skills to become a formidable force at the poker table. And always remember, in poker, as in life, fortune favors the bold – as Matt Damon famously said in a crypto commercial.

So, the next time you gather around with your pals, don your best poker face, and let the chips fall where they may. Brace yourself for a night of camaraderie, wit, and cunning as you delve into the captivating world of Texas Hold’em Poker!

Here is a video that will teach you more (James Hartigan rocks!):

Hollywood Poker Night: Having Fun While Networking

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