Poker is a card game for two to eight players, played with a standard 52-card deck (with some variant games using multiple packs or adding one or more jokers). It is a game of chance that involves considerable skill. Players choose their actions in the game based on probability, psychology and game theory. Although the outcome of any particular hand significantly involves chance, long-run expected value is determined by the actions of players, who bluff and call for strategic reasons.

The chosen dealer shuffles the cards and deals them one at a time, beginning with the player to his or her left. The cards may be dealt face up or down, depending on the game. After each player receives their cards, they must decide whether to remain in the game by calling a bet made by the player to his or her left, raising that bet or dropping out of the game.

A high hand consists of two distinct pairs, a straight or a flush. A high card is used to break ties.

The rules of poker vary from game to game, but most involve betting in increments called “rounds.” Each round begins with a forced bet, called the ante or blind bet. Then each player can either “call” the bet, putting in the same amount as the previous player, or raise it. After all the bets are placed, players reveal their hands and the winner takes the pot of money.