Generally speaking, poker is a game where players attempt to make the best possible hand from five cards. The highest hand wins the pot. If a hand is tied, it is broken by the highest unmatched card. If two hands are tied, they are broken by the highest pair or secondary pair.
Poker can be played with any number of players. The ideal number is six to eight. The game can be played with chips or cash. Typically, chips are easier to manage than cash.
Most poker games involve a “blind bet” before cards are dealt. One player has the privilege of making the first bet. If no one makes a bet, the betting interval ends. The player who makes the first bet is called the “initial dealer”. During the betting interval, players must make a bet that matches the previous bet. Alternatively, players can choose to fold.
Players may use one of their cards to make a bet. A bet that matches the previous bet is called a call. Alternatively, a player may choose to make a bet that is more than the previous bet. The player who makes a bet is said to raise.
Poker is played around an oval or circular table with a group of players. After the players have been dealt with their cards, they will show them to the other players.
The players may bluff, or try to convince the other players that they have a good hand. Some players will use their bluff to win.