How to Play Poker

Using a 52-card deck, poker is played with 5-7 players. The game is played by betting and discarding cards until one or more players have a hand that wins the pot. Players choose five cards from which they form their hand. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot.

To start, all players are dealt five cards. The first player to the left of the button is required to post a small blind. This is a forced bet that gives players something to chase.

The dealer deals the cards face up. The highest value card starts the hand, while the next card determines the winner. The dealer may deal the cards face down if a player requests that. The dealer also has the last right to shuffle the deck.

Each player must place a number of chips in the pot that is equal to the amount he contributed before. The pot is then split equally among all players in the event of a draw.

After the first round of betting, all players must call. If a player raises the stake, all other players must also call. After the last round of betting, the player who has the highest hand wins the pot.

A player may open the pot when he has at least one pair of jacks. He may hide other cards if he wishes to, but must show Jacks-or-Better.

If no one calls, the player who opened the pot collects the pot without showing his hand. If there are two or more players remaining, a showdown occurs.