Poker is a card game played by a group of people around a circular table. There are several variations of the game, but the rules are the same. Each player’s goal is to make the best possible hand. If a player has the best hand, he wins the pot.

To start, players must buy into the game with a predetermined amount of money. This is known as the ante. The ante typically ranges from $1 to $5. Players can also choose to fold and let the table decide.

Once the cards are laid out, the initial dealer deals the first round of cards. The dealer may deal all of the cards at once, or pass out sets.

After the first round, each player will have two cards in their hands. They can bet on the cards they hold or match the bet that was made.

A betting round occurs after each new round of cards is dealt. Players will bet into the pot in clockwise order.

The highest three of a kind splits the pot, if they are matched. In the event that two four of a kind are matched, the higher rank wins. When there is a tie, the high card breaks the tie.

Poker is usually played with a deck of 52 cards. Typically, the cards are red, black, or blue. Depending on the game, the chips are also colored.

After the players have a chance to check or raise, the betting round continues. When a player has a hand that is not very good, he can bluff to convince other opponents to fold.