The Basics of Poker
Often called the “sharpshooter’s game”, Poker is played for money. Players try to create the best possible hand using five cards. The highest hand wins the pot. If a player’s hand does not meet the requirements for the pot, the other players can choose to raise, match, or fold.
A standard pack of cards contains 52 cards, ranked from Ace to Ace. Some games include specific wild cards, such as jokers. The lowest hand is 6-4-3-2-A in two or more suits. A straight is five cards in sequential order, such as a K-Q-J-10.
The game is played in round tables and chairs. The cards are dealt face up. After each card is revealed, players take turns showing their cards. If all players are silent, a check is made.
A pot is the combination of all bets made by all players in a single deal. The highest hand or highest poker hand wins the pot.
The first player has the right to make the first bet. This is known as the ante. The ante is usually a small bet. For example, a bet of $1 or $5 is the ante for a game with five players.
Once the ante is in place, the dealer deals the cards to the players, one at a time. A dealer may deal the cards to all players in a set, or in pairs. Some variants require each player to contribute a certain amount to the pot before the deal.