Texas Hold'em: The Poker Variant That Took Over The World  

If you're looking to learn one of the most popular and widely-played poker variants around, Texas Hold'em is the game for you. This community card game has captivated players around the world with its mix of skill and luck.

The basics are easy to pick up. Each player receives two private hole cards. There are then a round of betting, followed by three community cards dealt face-up (the flop), a round of betting, a fourth community card (the turn), another round of betting, a fifth community card (the river) and a final round of betting.

Players make the best five-card poker hand they can using any combination of their hole cards and the community cards. The aim is to have the highest-ranking hand and win the pot.

Hand rankings are the same as other poker variants - ranging from a high card as the worst hand up to a royal flush as the absolute nuts. Getting familiar with hand rankings from pairs, two pair, three of a kind, straights, flushes, full houses, quads and straight flushes will serve you well.

There's a reason why No-Limit Texas Hold'em in particular has become the most popular poker variant over the last couple of decades. The no-limit betting allows for big bluffs, mindgames and adrenaline-fueled action. At any point, a player can go all-in, risking their whole stack.

While the rules are straightforward, there's a huge skill game involved too. Reading opponents, making calculating bets, managing a bankroll and understanding odds and probabilities are all key factors separating the winners from the losers over the long run.

If you're based in London and want to take your first steps into Texas Hold'em, the Ladbroke Grove Social Poker Club is an ideal spot. They run affordable, beginner-friendly games every week with an emphasis on community, learning and having fun.

With patient members happy to walk you through getting set up and talking you through the rules and strategies, it's a welcoming environment to cut your teeth. The club also has more experienced games for when you've honed your skills.

Best of all, membership for the year is free - making it an cheap way to get into one of the most entertaining games out there. Who knows, Ladbroke Grove Social Poker Club could be the start of your journey to Texas Hold'em mastery!