Premium Hold ‘Em
You can quickly and easily learn the game so that you can start playing and enjoying it right away. Our table dealers are also happy to give you information about the game and betting strategies so that you feel comfortable and confident in your play.
Premium Hold ‘Em is much like Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em. If you have played any variants of Hold ‘Em, you will likely find it easy to learn Premium Hold ‘Em.
Typically, in Premium Hold ‘Em, the dealer gives each player three cards face down. These are known as the hole cards. Then four cards are dealt face up to the center of the table, and these cards are used by all players to try to make the best hand with what they have in their hands. The cards in the center are known as community cards, or the flop.
In Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, players would get two hole cards, and there would be five community cards. In Premium Hold ‘Em, players have a greater chance of creating a competitive hand because there are fewer community cards.
At the end of betting, play is the same in both games: Each player reveals their cards to make their best hands. The highest ranking hand wins, taking the winnings
Hands are ranked in Premium Hold ‘Em the same way they are in other games of Hold ‘Em or in other games of poker.
A simple pair is the lowest scoring hand, after “nothing,” which is discussed below. A pair can include any two cards that have the same value, though not the same suit.
Two pairs involve two different pairs of matching cards. All four cards do not match. In that case, you would have a four of a kind, which is a much higher ranking hand.
Three of a kind consists of any three cards with a matching face value, such as three 2s or three Jacks.
A straight consists of five cards of any suit in sequential order. This can include numerical cards and face cards.
A flush consists of five cards of the same suit, in any order. For example, all five cards are hearts, but they have values like 2, 6, 9, Jack, and Ace.
A full house consists of one pair and three of a kind. The cards can be any suit.
Four of a kind consists of any four matching value cards. They can be of any suit.
A straight flush consists of five cards in sequential order and of the same suit. For example, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of clubs.
A Royal Flush consists of a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all in spades. It is the highest ranking hand – and the rarest.
A hand of “nothing” means that you don’t have any of the above hands. In the case that two players both have nothing, the winner would be determined by who has the highest card. So, if your “nothing” includes a King and the highest card in the other player’s hand is a 10, you would win.
Betting in Premium Hold ‘Em varies widely by where you play it. Some places offer side and bonus bets. These can also rotate at the same casino. It’s always best to check with the dealer to find out what side or bonus bets are available and to get any information about how to play them, if applicable.
Traditionally, betting in Premium Hold ‘Em starts with the ante. The player who sits in the blind would make the bet first, and it is typically going to be the minimum table bet. All players must match that bet to join the play. Any optional or side bets would also be placed at this time.
Cards are dealt after everyone at the table “buys in.” Once players see their own cards, betting begins again, starting with the blind. The first player may choose to stay or to raise the bet. If the first player stays, the option will pass to the next player. If no other player raises the bet, it remains the same. However, if the first player raises the bet, all other players will have to see the bet to keep playing. If any other player raises the bet, all other players will have to see the bet to keep playing.
Final bets are made when the community cards, or flop, are dealt. Betting moves in a circle, as before, and players may choose to stay or raise the bet. However, if anyone raises the bet, everyone else must match it to stay in the game.
Once all betting is complete, personal cards are revealed and the winner is determined. The winner takes all the main bets. Side bets and optional bets are determined by the dealer.
Keep in mind that other players don’t know what you have in your hand. So you don’t need to have a great hand to bet big. In fact, betting big is one way you can scare off other players, convincing them that you have a superior hand so they shouldn’t continue betting and should just fold. It’s called bluffing, and it can be very successful if used well.
Visit Blue Lake Casino today to join an exciting game of Premium Hold ‘Em! We offer a variety of table minimums so you can find the right game for your needs. We also offer other varieties of poker, including pai gow poker. Visit us today to enjoy some fun, some good food, and maybe make a new friend or win big.