Poker is a game of cards in which players try to form the highest ranked hand by using their two personal cards and five community cards. It is a game of strategy, mental toughness and attrition as well as a numbers game where the high value hands are more rare. The best hand is a royal flush (10-Jack-Queen-King-Ace of the same suit). The next best is four of a kind, then straight, three of a kind, two pair and one pair. Players can also win by bluffing, betting that they have the strongest hand when they don’t. This is known as raising and is a key part of the game.
The first round of betting begins with the player to the left of the dealer. They have the option to check or call. If they check and the dealer does not have blackjack then they can say hit to be dealt another card. They can then stay, double up or fold their cards.
Once the first round of betting has been completed the dealer deals three community cards face up on the table which can be used by all players, this is known as the flop. The player can now bet again and raise the stakes.
The player with the highest ranked hand when all the cards are revealed wins the pot/all bets. The players that are left without a strong hand will drop out and the player that has the best bluff can win the game.