Poker is a card game that involves betting and folding. There are a variety of different poker variants, but the rules are generally the same.
Before the cards are dealt, one or more players must place an initial amount of money into the pot, usually called an ante. This amount can vary depending on the specific type of poker, but is typically fixed for tournaments.
The dealer shuffles the cards and cuts them, then deals the appropriate number of cards to each player, starting with the player on the left. The first betting round follows and then there are a series of betting intervals.
A player can bet or raise any time during a betting interval and may also fold. Depending on the rules of the specific poker variant, there may be a limit to the number of times that a player may raise in any betting interval.
Straight, Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind and Three of a Kind are the most common ways to win a hand in standard poker. There are also a number of side bets that can be wagered between players in a tournament, including last longer, and jackpot.
Qualification – In split pot games, a low hand must “qualify” before it is counted as a legitimate low hand. This is done by having at least 5 cards of the same rank 8 or lower.
Rake – A small amount paid to the pot each hand as a payment for running the game of poker. It can be a percentage or a flat fee.