The Basics of Poker

Poker

Poker is a game of chance where players try to make the best hand possible from five cards. There are hundreds of variations of the game. The basic rule is to bet into the pot until all but one player folds.

To play, a player must bet into the pot, then show all of his or her cards to the other players. The best hand wins. Ties are broken by a high card. If a tie remains, the winner is the highest card with the exception of the highest pair. A wild card can supplement any other card, but in some games the wild card must be of the same suit as the other cards.

A deck of 52 cards is used in the game. The cards are ranked from Ace to ten. They are usually dealt face up.

Poker betting occurs in a clockwise direction. Each player is required to match the bet of the person to his left. A forced bet may occur, such as a blind or ante.

The player to the left of the button is required to post a small blind. This is the first bet in the deal. Once the player has placed his or her small blind, the other players can begin to bet. If they are not able to match the bet, they must call or fold.

After the player to the left of the button has posted his or her small blind, the next player is required to place a big blind. Once the players have placed their bets, the next player is ready to play.