The Basics of Poker

Poker is a game in which each player makes a bet using poker chips. It is played with a standard 52 card deck. A poker pot is the sum of all the bets made by all the players in one deal. The best hand wins the pot.

Poker is generally played with a minimum of six to eight players. This is the ideal number, however, it can be played with more than eight or fewer. For games of eight or more, two separate games are often organized.

Before the game begins, each player must put a certain number of poker chips into the pot. These chips are generally colored red, blue or green. There are typically two dark chips that are worth two, four or five whites.

The dealer begins the game by dealing cards face up, with each player having one card face down. If the player to the left of the big blind calls, the pot plays.

Players can check, raise or fold their hand. When a raise is called, the raiser must put the same number of chips into the pot.

If a player folds his or her hand, it means that he or she has decided not to play. However, the hand is still receiving cards until the next bet is made. During the first betting interval, the player to the left of the big blind is the first to act.

In a game of fewer than five cards, the Spit-in-the-Ocean game is used. Each player is dealt one card, and then the remaining cards are distributed among the active players.