The Basics of Poker

Poker is a card game with an element of chance and a lot of psychology. However, when betting enters the picture it becomes much more of a game of skill. In this article we’ll cover some of the basics of the game, including how to play and a little history about the game.

Each player is dealt two cards and must make the best five card hand they can. Then they must place bets into the middle (called the pot) depending on their hand and how well it is positioned against other hands. When the betting gets to you (it moves around the table) you have the option to fold, call or raise. If you raise a bet that was already raised, this is called a re-raise.

Once the first round of betting is complete the dealer deals three cards face up on the table (called the flop) that everyone can use. Then another betting round starts. After the flop there is a fourth community card that anyone can use and a final betting round before “the showdown”.

Generally speaking, the highest poker hand wins. Higher hands include a pair, straight, flush and a full house. A high card is used to break ties. Poker is played from a standard 52 card deck with four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades. Some games also include jokers or other wild cards.