The Basics of Poker

Poker

The game of Poker is played between two people who have distinct pairs of cards and a fifth card. In a tie, the highest pair wins. However, a second pair or a better pair will break ties. Players who do not have a pair or a better hand will be eliminated from the game if they have a high card or straight. A high card will break any tie if there is a tie, but a pair is better than a straight.

After the round of betting is over, all players are all square with the pot. Each player may discard up to three cards. Brad discards three cards, Charley one and Dennis two. When they receive replacement cards, Brad’s hand is three spades, Charley one and Dennis two. Assuming they have matching three-card hands, Dennis and Charley are eliminated. They are now left with three-card hands based on the highest rank.

In the game of Poker, the best possible hand is called a “nuts.” This hand requires two cards of the same suit. In other words, a pair of pocket fives and a pair of sixes would be the best possible hand. A straight would require a pair of sevens on the turn and river to complete. If you have a gutshot, you are less likely to hit a straight than you would in an open-ended one.