Poker is a card game where players bet into a pot and try to get other players to call their bet. The player who makes the best hand wins the pot. Depending on the game, the stakes can vary greatly. Some games allow players to bluff.
When the game starts, a designated button on the table indicates which player will be the dealer. The dealer shuffles cards and deals one to each player in turn.
The first player to the left of the big blind is the first to act. This player is the first player to see the first three community cards. This player must show a minimum of Jacks-or-Better, and must then place a small blind in the pot.
The player to the right of the big blind is the next to act. This player must post a large blind in the pot.
The action then continues. During each round, a betting interval is held. When a player raises the bet, the action goes to the next round. If no one raises, the player to the left of the big blind is first to act. If there are two or more players, a showdown takes place.
If there are ties, the winner is the highest pair. If no players have a pair, the highest card breaks the tie. If more than one player has a five of a kind, the higher card wins.
In a stud poker game, the limit is usually twice the amount in the final betting interval. If there are no ties, the pot is shared between all the remaining players.