Poker is a card game where players attempt to form the best hand possible. The cards are dealt in rounds and betting is allowed between each round.

The basic rules of poker are based on probability, psychology and game theory. There are hundreds of variations of the game, but the basics remain the same.

Getting Started

Before the cards are dealt, each player must make a bet called the blind or the ante. The amount is usually a minimum and varies with the type of game.

If a player makes the minimum bet and all other players call, the game can continue. The player can either make another bet, raise the current bet, or fold and leave the table.

The first betting round begins with one or more players making a forced bet (the blind or ante) and continuing clockwise until each player has either called the previous bet, folded, or raised their bet.

When the betting is complete, a showdown occurs. The last player to act shows his cards and whoever has the best hand wins the pot.

Tournaments

The term “tournament” comes from a medieval word meaning “a competition with many players”. In modern usage, the term is usually used to describe one or more sports or games held at a single location and played over a long period of time. Examples include the Olympic games, cricket world cup and IPL. However, tournaments can also be local or regional events.