Generally speaking, poker is a game of chance where you are trying to create the best hand you can. The goal is to beat the other players. If you are able to create the best hand, you win the pot.

Each player is dealt two cards, which they can use to create their hand. If there is a tie, the player with the highest card breaks the tie. The best hand is a straight flush. This is made up of five cards of the same suit.

Some variant games include a joker. This counts as the fifth card in certain special hands.

Most poker games involve an ante. An ante is usually a small bet, such as $1 or $5. This is the “buy in” bet for the round. The pot is then gathered after the round of betting is complete. Usually, the dealer shuffles cards and deals them to each player. The first player is responsible for making the first bet.

Poker also has a “wild card.” These cards are not shuffled. They are used in certain hands, such as five of a kind.

If you are playing poker at a table, you will be told to fold when you do not have a high-ranking hand. You may choose to do so, or you may choose to call. You can also choose to raise, which adds more chips to the pot.

When you call, your opponent must match the amount of the bet you made. If you raise, your opponent must match the amount of your bet.