The Basics of Poker

Poker is a card game in which players place bets (representing money) on which hand they believe is the best according to the rules of the particular game being played. Different poker games differ in the number of cards dealt, whether they are face up or face down and the type of betting that takes place during a game. But all have one thing in common: a central pot for bets.

During each betting interval, players have the option to raise or fold their hands. A player who raises puts into the pot a amount of chips equal to or higher than the previous player’s bet. A player who folds puts no chips into the pot and leaves the table for the rest of the round.

When all the players are finished with their hands, a showdown occurs. The remaining players reveal their hidden cards and evaluate their hands. The player with the best five-card poker hand wins the pot.

Each player is dealt two cards which are hidden from the other players – these are called the hole or pocket cards. After the initial betting phase a third card is dealt face up into the center of the table and are known as the “flop.” The flop cards form community cards which are used by all players to build their hands.

When comparing poker hands, rank is determined by the rank of the highest-ranking card in each hand. If two hands are equal, the tie is broken by the highest ranking suit in each hand.