Poker is a card game that can be played with one or more players. It is a game of chance with an element of skill. It is a great way to spend time with friends and family. Whether you play in tournaments, cash games or both, there are some important things that you should know to become a successful poker player.
Players begin the game by placing an initial amount of money into the pot before they are dealt cards. This is called the ante.
Once the antes have been placed, each player is dealt two cards face down (hidden from other players). These are known as a player’s hole or pocket cards. Once these are dealt, a betting phase begins.
During each betting interval, or round, a player may “call” the current bet by putting into the pot the same number of chips as the previous player; raise that bet by putting in more than the prior player; or drop (“fold”) and forfeit his or her chance to win the hand.
During the showdown stage, each player must reveal his or her cards and the player with the best 5-card poker hand wins. A flush consists of 5 consecutive cards of the same suit. A full house consists of 3 matching cards of one rank and 2 matching cards of another rank. A pair consists of 2 cards of the same rank, plus 2 other unmatched cards. If no player has a pair, then the pot is split.
