Poker is a family of games comparing cards. The goal is to create the best hand possible. To do this, players may bet, fold, or bluff.
A standard pack of 52 cards is used for modern poker. Games vary in deck configuration, card distribution, and betting intervals. Some variants also include wild cards.
Most poker games involve at least one round of betting. Betting occurs in the form of antes and blinds. When betting, each player must place a number of chips in the pot, equal to the total contribution of the previous bettor.
The ante is typically a small bet. For example, a poker game may involve an ante of $1 or $5.
After a round of betting, the dealer deals one card face down to each active player. These cards are dealt clockwise around the table.
After the draw phase, the second round of betting takes place. Players are allowed to discard up to three cards. In addition, each player is given a chance to check. If no one calls, the bets are gathered into a central pot.
The high card is often used to break ties. A high card can be any of the following. It can be the ace, the king, the queen, or the jack.
The best natural hand is the straight flush. A straight flush is five cards of the same suit. Generally, a straight flush is either low or high.
Other common hands are a pair of aces, a straight, two distinct pairs, or a straight flush.