Poker is a game of chance that involves betting. Players bet into a pot, and the higher ranking hand wins the pot. The rules vary depending on the type of game. Some games have a fixed number of players, while others are played with multiple packs.

To play, each player chooses five cards from the deck to form a poker hand. They are then dealt face up and placed in front of them. This is the basic format of poker, but there are many other variations. In some games, players may be able to add wild cards. These cards can be any card, but can take any suit.

In most versions of the game, the dealer will be the one to deal the cards. He will also be the last to shuffle the cards. Each round of the game will begin with the first bettor making a minimum bet. If no bettor makes a bet, the first bettor’s turn will pass to the player on the left.

After the first round of dealing, players are allowed to ante, and a second round of betting occurs. Betting is continued until all but one player folds, and a final round of betting is called the Showdown.

A pot is made up of the bets of all players. In case of draw, the pot is shared evenly among the players. However, different players can win side pots.

To break ties, a high card is used. For example, if three players have the same hand, the winner is the player with the highest unmatched card.