I've got some fairly basic questions.

[Poker_Pimp]

1) Do you have to use both your cards? My friend told me that you do, and I found it a bit weird. For example, say the 5 cards are 4, 5, 6, 7, 10

I have an ace and an 8. Can I go for the straight? I always thought I could, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

2) Do small blind and big blind have to make that basic bet no matter what? Or can they, like other players, immediately fold? Also, can the small blind and the big blind raise (after everyone has called) before any cards are displayed?

Thanks.

[Muck]

1) Do you have to use both your cards?

NO. Not in Texas Holdem.

2) Do small blind and big blind have to make that basic bet no matter what?

YES. This is why they're also refered to as FORCED BETS.

Also, can the small blind and the big blind raise (after everyone has called) before any cards are displayed?

This is called live blinds. On most on-line sites and in UK casinos this is the case.

[Poker_Pimp]

I've got another question. Which hand wins this?

Full house A : 3 Kings, 2 jacks
Full house B : 3 Aces, 2 2s.

[supafrey]

B wins

[HalfSugar]

I've got another question. Which hand wins this?

Full house A : 3 Kings, 2 jacks
Full house B : 3 Aces, 2 2s.

Not that this is possible on a single hand of texas holdem but we'll go with it anyway........

When comparing full houses, you look at the rank of the triple first. AAA22 beats KKKJJ because the Aces outrank the Kings. The pair is only important if players have the same triple and again, the higher rank wins (eg one holds AA, the other holds 77 and there is KKK23 on the board giving them KKKAA and KKK77)

[HalfSugar]

By the way, please have a look over this thread as it will probably answer most of your queries and save you a lot of time!

POKER FAQ THREAD