Poker is a card game in which players compete against one another to build the best hand. There are several different variations of the game, but all of them share the same basic rules and strategies.
The Cards
A standard deck of 52 cards is used in most games, although some variants use multiple packs or add a few extra cards called jokers. The cards are ranked from highest to lowest, and there are four suits: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs.
How to Play
When it’s your turn, you will be dealt cards from the deck and must decide whether to call, raise or fold. If you call, you make a bet equal to the last bet or raise. If you raise, you increase your bet and try to beat the other player’s hand.
How to Win
The goal of poker is to make the best five-card hand possible. The best natural hand is a straight flush, which is five cards in sequence from the same suit.
How to Bet
In most games, a player is required to place a certain amount of money into the pot before the cards are dealt. This amount is called an ante. Some games also require a blind bet, which is an additional forced bet.
How to Check
In some variants of the game, a player can check during a betting round if no money has been raised since their last turn. If a player checks, then no more money can be added to the pot, and that player must pass their turn to the next player.