The Basics of Poker

Poker is a card game played with two or more players. Almost always, poker players use chips to play the game. Players buy chips, which are typically worth a set number of whites, reds, and blues. Each player purchases a certain number of chips and “buys in” to the game by placing their money into the pot. A player may buy in with the same amount as their opponents. However, if there are more than seven players in the game, the dealer should provide the chips.

When playing poker, each player places an ante into the pot. When this happens, players are able to see their cards. Once they have made their bets, players may discard up to three cards and take new ones from the top of the deck. Afterward, a new round of betting occurs. The player who has the best hand wins the pot. This betting process is carried out in clockwise order, and continues until all players have made their bets or have folded.

The highest possible hand in poker is a straight or a pair. If more than one player has two pairs, the higher pair wins. If both players have a pair, the winner is the player with the highest pair. In addition, two players with a straight win the game. The high card also breaks ties if no one else has a pair of five cards. However, there are exceptions to these rules.