The game can be played by as many as twenty-two players, although the general rule is to have between two and ten players.

After the ante, each player is deal two cards face down. These are the only cards that the player will receive directly and they are never revealed until showdown if the player is still in the game at that point.

The hand starts off with "pre-flop" betting. Either the player to the left of the blind, or the player to the left of the dealer if no blind is used, gets to bet first. Betting continues clockwise until reaching the dealer's position. After the first round of betting, all additional rounds of betting will begin with the player to the left of the dealer.

After the pre-flop betting round ends, a card is burned and three cards are dealt face up to the center of the table. This is called the flop. These community cards may be used by each player as if they were actually holding them in their hand. After the flop, another round of betting ensues.

Once the flop betting round ends, another card is burned and a single community card, known as the turn or fourth street is dealt face up in the center of the table. Another round of betting follows before another card is burned and the final community card, called the river or fifth street is dealt in the center of the table. Another round of betting follows.

If there is only one remaining plaer at this point then he or she is the winnder and collects the pot. otherwise, the showdown takes place where each remaining player shows their best five card which may include one or both of his or her hole cards but it is not required. The winner is determined by the rules of Determining a Winning Hand. Tied hands split the pot.