The Basics of Poker

Poker is a card game where players compete to make the highest hand out of five cards. The objective is to keep betting until no one remains, and eventually the player with the highest hand wins the pot. The pot is made up of all the money that is bet during the hand. If the game is a draw, the money in the pot is split evenly between the players.

If all players except one fold on any betting round, that player takes the pot and collects it without showing their hand. When more than one player is left in the game, there is a showdown, where the players reveal their hands. The player with the best hand wins the pot. The remaining players then begin betting again, with the first player raising to twenty cents.

The best possible hand in poker is called the “nuts”. This means that you have the best hand possible at any given moment. For example, a trip 7 is considered to be a “nuts” hand. A straight is made up of two cards of the same suit. A backdoor flush can be made by hitting the necessary cards on the turn and river.

The dealer will deal the cards, which may include two or more community cards. The button will move clockwise after each deal. The player left of the dealer always starts the action. The player to the left of the dealer must bet, called, or fold, depending on the game rules.