Poker

Whether you’re an old pro or just starting out, you’ll want to know the basic rules of poker. There are a variety of ways to play the game, but the goal is always the same: create the best possible hand.

Poker games are played using a 52-card deck. Each player is dealt seven cards, and the highest hand wins the pot.

The first round of betting begins with the player to the left of the dealer button. The dealer then shuffles the cards. The cards are then dealt to each player one at a time.

The next round of betting begins with the player to the right of the dealer button. The player to the left of the dealer button must post a small blind.

After the initial round, players must decide whether or not to bet. If a player decides to bet, he must bet at least the same amount as the player to the left. If a player decides not to bet, he loses all of his chips in the pot.

After the final round of betting, the hand turns face up. If more than one player remains in contention, a showdown occurs. If there is a showdown, the hand is revealed and the winner takes the pot.

The best poker hand is a straight, which is made of five cards in a sequential order. It’s also possible to achieve a backdoor flush by hitting cards needed on the turn and river.