Poker is a card game played around the world. The aim is to get chips from your opponents by making the best hand possible. This is done by betting, raising or folding according to the rules of the game.

There are different kinds of poker, but all involve a round of betting. In the end, the player with the highest hand wins the pot.

Poker can be played with as many players as you like. However, the ideal number is between six and eight players.

Before the game, players place a “blind” bet. It is usually a small bet, ranging from one to five dollars.

Once the bet is placed, the dealer deals the cards to each player. He or she may discard up to three cards.

After each hand, a dedicated dealer button moves one position clockwise. The player to the left of the button posts the big blind.

Each player is given seven cards. These are ranked from Ace high to Ace low. When there is a tie, a high card breaks it.

The high card wins the hand, if it breaks ties. If nobody has a pair, the second highest card wins. Similarly, a straight breaks ties.

A straight flush is five cards in sequential order, containing a pair of the same suit. A pair of kings is not bad off the deal.

Most games use a standard pack of 52 cards. In some countries, there are shorter packs.