Using a standard deck of cards, Poker is played by a group of people around an oval table. Players place bets, which are then collected in a central pot at the end of each round. The highest ranking hand wins the pot.
Poker games can be played with any number of players, depending on the rules of the game. A minimum of 5 or 6 players is ideal. Players may also bluff, which is a strategy that involves trying to convince other players to fold their hand by betting on it.
A poker hand is composed of five cards. Two of them are two pairs of the same suit, and the other four cards are of the same rank. A straight flush starts with the highest card. If there is a tie, the high card breaks the tie. If no one has a pair, the ace-queen high card breaks the tie.
Poker games usually require a blind or ante bet. In most games, the blind bet is placed before the cards are dealt. The ante bet can be made by putting down chips in front of the player.
In poker games that have a showdown, the cards are shown to all players. The highest card wins the pot. When there is no winner, betting continues until all players call or fold.
A poker game can also be played with Wild Cards. These are cards that can substitute any other card in the deck. Wild Cards can take any suit.