The name of the card game Poker derives from the spirit of bluffing and misdirection that underlies the game. While its origins are apocryphal, the earliest known version of the game in European history was probably the seventeenth-century French game of poque. This game evolved to become the German pochen and, later, a new version of primero. The game was brought to North America by French settlers.

Before the game begins, each player contributes an ante. The ante provides value to the pot immediately. Alternatively, players may make an all-in bet, in which case all their chips go into the pot. However, this betting strategy is not recommended for every situation. It is also not wise to make an all-in bet without having sufficient information. As long as you know how to identify conservative players, you can be sure to read them better.

There are several different variations of Poker, each with their own set of rules. Some games feature five cards and others have fewer, and three-card Monte, which is played by a smaller group of players. The games are described further in this chapter, and for ten or more players, two separate games can be organized. However, these variations aren’t considered classics, and are often the subject of debate among enthusiasts. A basic guide to the rules and strategy of poker is available online.

The best poker hands are the ones with five cards in the same suit. The straight flush is the best natural hand and is a great example of a perfect five-card hand. Unlike the royal flush, an ace high straight flush can win in a single hand. Hence, it’s also known as the Royal Flush. But if you have three pairs of the same suit, it’s a straight flush. A straight flush is even rarer than the former.