Generally, a poker table consists of a number of players sitting around an oval table. Each player is dealt with five cards, and the hand that wins the pot is the hand that contains the highest-ranking five cards.

The player who makes the first bet is called the first bettor. After receiving his cards, the first bettor must bet a minimum amount in the first betting interval.

The player to the left of the dealer is the second bettor. After making a bet, the player must place at least five chips in the pot. This is typically the minimum bet.

When a player raises the stake, he must match the previous bet. If the player does not match the previous bet, he must fold. If he folds, he no longer competes for the pot.

After the first betting interval, a player can check or bet. If a player checks, he stays in the hand but does not bet.

If a player bets, he must call. If a player bets and another player calls, the second bettor must match the bet.

After three or four raises, the stakes become too large for the player to continue playing. The player must then fold or call. If a player calls, the player can increase the stake by placing more chips in the pot. Alternatively, the player may double the stake.

A player can also bluff by stating that they have the best hand and then betting. However, players cannot force others to play more than they want.