Poker is a game in which players use cards and chips to compete for money. It is one of the oldest games in the world, and it has evolved into a number of variants.

Rules of play

The game begins with each player putting an initial contribution, called an ante, into the pot before cards are dealt out. The deal starts with the first dealer and then moves clockwise until all players have had a chance to make a bet or fold.

Each player is then dealt five cards. They can discard any or all of their cards to improve their hand and make a bet.

A hand comprises five cards, with the highest card having the most value. There are a variety of ways to win in a hand, based on its rank and suit.

High card, pair of cards, and three of a kind are the most common. A straight is five cards in sequential order, while a flush is five cards of the same suit.

The highest hand wins the pot, and if there is a tie, the winnings are shared. The only exception to this rule is when two pairs are compared; the winner of the tie is the player with the best pair.