As previously stated in Holdem Poker, before cards can be dealt, all players are required to place their ante bets and blinds. The antes and blinds are predetermined, with the little blind always being half of the big blind. In tournament play, as the game progresses, the values of the antes and blinds raise every few hands.

Each player is then dealt two cards, referred to as the hole cards, which are placed face down in front of the players. Once the cards have been dealt each player can then look at his or her hole cards. Play always begins in a clockwise direction away from the dealer button.

If any player wishes to stay in the hand he or she must match the value of the big blind in – espcially in limit Holdem Poker. In the no-limit version, players are rquired to at least match it. If a player doesn't want to see the flop they simply fold their cards, and always face down. Players in no-limit Holdem Poker can also raise before the flop. If a player raises the bet, each player who has called has to also raise their bet to meet the fresh raise. The pre-flop round of betting stops when all players have either folded or called the last raise. Only then can the flop cards be dealt.