There are several new table games based on Texas Hold’em hitting the casino floors. There is Texas Hold'em, Texas Hold'em Bonus, Ultimate Texas Hold'em and many more. Each different versin will have several different rules, so it is best to watch the game for a couple minutes before jumping in. The following is a pretty common set of rules, but again, they vary from Casino to Casino. The game is played on a Blackjack style table that can accommodate several players. The players do not compete against each other instead they are playing heads up with the dealer. On the layout in front of each player is an area marked:

Bonus
Ante
Flop, Turn, River

The Play

Play begins with a player making a bet in the Ante circle on the layout. An additional side bet may be made by placing a bet in the area marked Bonus. Each player and the dealer will then be dealt two cards face down. After these are dealt betting begins. Each player can fold or bet two, three or four times (depending on the Casino) the Ante Bet by placing the bet in the circle marked Play. When each player has folded or bet the proper amount the dealer turns over the three cards for the Flop.
After seeing the flop you can check or bet. The bet varies from Casino to Casino, but most often the bet is equal to your ante. The dealer then turns over the next community card, the Turn, and you again can check or make a bet equal to your Ante. When everyone has completed this round of betting, the dealer tuns over the last community card, the River.

Win or Lose

After the River card is dealt the dealer will turn over the player's hole cards and make the best five card hand. If the player’s hand beats the dealer his Play bets win even money. If the dealer’s hand beats the player’s hand, the player will lose the Ante, Blind and Play bets. If the player and dealer tie it is a push. The Ante Bet is paid even money if the player’s winning hand is a Flush or better. The Bonus Bet is paid based on the odds posted on the layout. These also will vary from casino to casino.

Strategy

Because you are playing heads-up with the dealer you will be playing looser than if you were playing in a live game of Texas Hold’em. You should make pre-Flop bet with:

Any hand with an ace.
Unsuited king and 5 or higher.
Unsuited queen and 8 or higher.
Suited king with any other card.
Suited queen with 6 or higher.
Suited jack with 8 or higher.
Any pair threes or higher.

Bonus Table
The Bonus Table is listed on the layout. It will vary from casino to casino and it will affect the overall house edge.