How to Play Poker

Poker

Poker is a card game in which players bet into a pot, calling (matching) a bet; raising (adding money to the betting pool); or folding (not making a bet). It is one of the most popular card games around the world.

How to Play Poker

First, all players must place an ante, which is a small amount of money they are willing to put into the pot. A complete hand of cards is then dealt face-down to each player and the first round of betting begins.

The ante is usually a small bet, such as $1 or $5. After the initial round of betting, each player may discard up to three cards and take new ones from the top of the deck.

Betting Intervals and Showdown

Each betting interval, also known as a “round,” begins with a player to the left making a bet. Other players to the left must either call by putting in as many chips into the pot as the previous player; raise by putting in more than the amount they called; or drop, which means they lose any chips that put into that pot and are out of the betting until the next deal.

High Card

A high card is any hand containing two distinct pairs or a single pair and a fifth card. If two hands contain the same high pair, the second highest card breaks a tie.

Another hand that qualifies as a high card is a straight, which is five cards in sequential order, regardless of suit. If two hands have the same straight, the higher-ranking one wins.

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