Poker is a popular form of gambling. It is played with a standard 52-card deck. The highest hand wins the pot. However, the outcome of a poker game is often determined by chance. Hence, bluffing is a key element of the game.

Before a poker game starts, the player to the left of the dealer must place an ante. This is also called the blind. In some poker games, the ace is treated as the lowest card.

Once the antes are in place, the dealer begins to deal cards. Typically, seven cards are dealt to each player. These are face down. They are then revealed one at a time. Players may check, raise, or fold.

A player’s best five-card hand is usually the one that wins the pot. However, some games award a share of the pot to the hand with the lowest card. When there are ties, the high card breaks the tie.

A player’s first bet must be matched by other players. Those who match the bet are said to call, while those who do not are called to fold.

The next betting interval begins with the player to the left of the big blind. During this interval, the player who is the first to act must raise or check.

After this, the betting phase is over. All but one player has folded.

Next, the remaining players must reveal their hands. This is called the showdown. If there are ties, the second pair wins.