Hole Cards
Hole cards are the cards dealt face down to each player that only that player can see. In Texas Hold'em each player gets two, in Omaha four. They are combined with the community cards to make the best hand.
The simple explanation
The hole cards are private. You look at them but do not show them to others until the showdown. Because only you know them, they are the secret information in the game, and the other players try to guess what they are from your betting.
A closer look
In stud games, 'hole cards' also refers to the cards that are dealt face down, while the other cards are face up. The pocket cards in Hold'em are the same thing, and pairs are called pocket pairs. Hands are often described by their hole cards: ace-king, pocket jacks. Protecting your hole cards at a live table is a matter of etiquette and sense. Do not let others see them, and keep them in sight and covered.
A practical example
You are dealt K♥ K♦ as hole cards. Nobody else at the table knows them.
Full explanation
Hole cards are the cards dealt face down to each player that only that player can see. In Texas Hold’em each player gets two, in Omaha four. They are combined with the community cards to make the best hand.
Hole cards are private cards dealt face down to a player.
In Hold’em each player has two, and in Omaha four.
Only the owner can see them until showdown.
The cards of the community are the opposite: they are open to all.
Alternative spelling: holecards, hole-cards
The two private cards
No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake
A’s A♣K♦ are hole cards, belonging to A alone. B’s Q♥Q♦ belong to B. This learning view reveals both hands; in a real hand these cards are dealt face down.
Read the example transcript
Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).
- Preflop · Pot: 3 chips
A’s A♣K♦ are hole cards, belonging to A alone. B’s Q♥Q♦ belong to B. This learning view reveals both hands; in a real hand these cards are dealt face down.
- Player A BTN / SB AAce of clubs (Ac)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 99 · In this round 1
- Player B BB QQueen of hearts (Qh)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 248 · In this round 2
Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.