If the under the gun player raises, the next player to act can either match their raise with a call or make a raise of their own. If the under the gun player folds or calls the next player has the same three options. They have the option to fold, call a bet the same size of the big blind (known as limping), or raise. Once everyone has their 'hole cards,' the player to the immediate left of the big blind, a position known as under the gun, acts first. The dealer then deals another face-down card to each player starting with the small blind. Once the blinds are paid, and any antes if they are in play, the dealer pitches a face-down card to each player, starting with the small blind and moving in a clockwise direction. If antes are in play, each player pays their ante during the preflop round. The player to the immediate left of the dealer pays a small blind, and the player to their direct left pays a big blind, which is usually twice the size of the small blind. Preflop is where every Texas Hold'em hand begins.
Preflop – What is Preflop in Texas Hold'em and How Does it Work? Every Texas Hold'em cash games and tournament features four betting rounds: preflop, the flop, the turn, and the river.
