Poker is a game of cards played by a group of players around a table. Players make bets and attempt to win the pot by forming the best possible hand, which is comprised of five cards. Each hand is valued based on the highest single card in the hand.
Poker can be played with any number of players. It is typically played with a maximum of six to eight people. The amount of chips players are allowed to put into the pot is usually limited by the game’s limit.
In some variants, the pot is split among the highest and lowest hands. When two players have a flush, the winnings are shared equally. Another example is when a player has a straight.
To begin the game, each player is given a hand. These may be face-up or face-down. Card shuffles occur clockwise around the table. A dealer button, also called a buck, is usually white plastic.
If the first player to bet is forced to call, this is known as a forced bet. Forced bets are either blind bets or ante bets.
Poker is considered to be a national pastime in the United States. Poker is played in casinos, poker clubs, private homes and online.
There are many variants of the game, but the rules are similar. Most games start with the initial dealer, a player who is able to shuffle the cards.
All players must show their cards to the dealer. At a showdown, the highest hand wins.