Poker is a betting game where the goal is to create the best hand possible. A standard 52-card deck is used, and a variety of poker variations exist. The rules for each variant differ.
In order to play, a player must put in an ante. This is a small bet, usually between $1 and $5. The ante can be paid by either the player or the dealer. Depending on the game, each player can choose to raise, fold, or check.
The cards are then dealt to the players one at a time. They are ranked from Ace to Ten. The highest-ranking hand is considered the winner. When two hands of the same rank are tied, the high card breaks the tie. The lowest possible hand is 7-5-4-3-2 in two or more suits.
The pot is the total amount of money won by all players. A poker player may win the pot by making a bet that no other player calls. The player who wins the pot is said to be the winner.
The first person left of the button is responsible for making the first bet. The player to the left of the dealer has the small blind. The dealer shuffles and cuts the cards, then deals them to the players.
After a round of betting, the player with the best hand earns the pot. The player with the worst hand loses the pot. The betting continues until the end of the game.