The game of poker has its origins in the seventeenth century. A game called poque, which is the origin of the word poker, was played by French settlers and is akin to the modern game. The game eventually evolved to include variations in Germany and even a new version of primero, which is still played in the U.K. It spread to North America after French settlers brought it to the region. However, the origins of poker are apocryphal.

The rules of poker vary depending on the variation. The ante is a small buy-in, usually $1 or $5, and each player must make a bet. Once each player has received his or her two cards, the dealer will deal them face up or face down. Players then make bets, and whoever has the highest hand wins the pot. The betting continues in a clockwise fashion until all players have called or folded. If someone makes a winning bet, they are said to be an active player.

The game of poker is played with five or seven cards. A player must attempt to make the best five-card poker hand, and winning the game requires skill and luck. While the earliest forms of poker were played with twenty cards, the modern game is usually played with a standard deck. However, shorter packs are common in some countries. Different types of poker differ in deck configuration, number of cards in play, and face-up order of cards. Regardless of the variation, all games involve a betting round.