Poker is a card game for 2 to 14 players, with the ideal number being 6, 7, or 8. A central pot of chips (representing money) forms the object of the game. At the beginning of each deal, one or more players must place chips into this pot (representing a forced bet) in order to remain eligible to compete for the hand. There are usually several betting intervals for each poker deal, and during each interval one or more cards are dealt to each player.
Once all the players receive their 2 hole cards, a round of betting begins. Each player must either call the bet or fold. Then, 1 more card is dealt face up. This is known as the flop. Another round of betting starts with the player to the left of the dealer.
During this time, players may raise the bet amount by saying “raise.” If they choose to do so, then the other players will have to say “call” to match the new bet or fold.
In the final betting interval, each player must decide whether to reveal their hand and fight for the pot or to drop out of the game. The player with the best poker hand wins the pot. If two players have identical hands, the ranking of the highest card determines which hand wins. This rule applies to straights, flushes, and pairs. In the case of a tie between a pair and a flush, the higher rank of the two cards is decisive.