How to Play Poker

Poker is a card game that can be played by two to seven players. It is often played in a casino or at home with chips that represent money. A standard 52-card deck is used and there can be one or more jokers (wild cards) in the pack.

The dealer is responsible for dealing the cards to the table. Depending on the rules of the game, players must place forced bets into the pot before they see their own cards. These bets are called the ante, blinds and bring-ins.

Once all players have their own 2 cards there is a round of betting that begins with the player to the left of the dealer. These bets are mandatory so that there is a pot to win and encourage competition.

After this betting round is complete the dealer deals three more cards face up on the board – these are community cards that anyone can use. Another round of betting takes place and if you still have cards in your hand you can either raise or fold.

If you want to raise a bet made by the person to your right then you would say “I call” to match their bet. Then you would put chips into the pot equal to their amount. You can also pass if you don’t have a good hand or want to fold. The best 5 card poker hands win the pot. If there is a tie then the highest pair wins.