The Basics of Poker

A poker game is played by players around a table with a fixed number of chips representing money. Each player places these chips in the center of the table (known as the pot) when it is their turn to act. Players may also choose to “check” when it is their turn to act, meaning they are passing the turn to the next player without placing any money into the pot. This is done when a player does not think they have a good hand to call and does not want to risk losing all their money.

Depending on the rules of the game, some rounds include forced bets known as blinds. These bets happen before the cards are dealt and can replace or be in addition to an ante. The first player to make a blind bet is known as the opener, and each player in turn must either open the betting or call it.

After the opening phase of betting, each player is dealt 2 cards face-down that are hidden from the other players (called their hole or pocket cards). Three additional cards are then revealed at the center of the table and are called the flop. These community cards can be used by all players to build their best 5-card hand.

As the game progresses, a player with the highest-ranking 5-card hand wins all the money in the pot. If there is a tie, the players with the tied hands share the money. A player may also fold his or her cards if they believe their hand is not strong enough to win the pot.