A game played by two or more players in which cards are dealt to each player and then bet into a pot. Generally, the player with the highest hand wins the pot. The game is usually played with a fixed amount of money (the ‘ante’). Players can fold, call or raise. It is the most popular card game in the world and has become a favorite pastime for many people.

The rules of poker are relatively simple. Each player must ante a set amount of money (the minimum bet is usually one dollar) to get his or her cards and then players place bets into the pot, in turn, each time it is their turn to act. After all players have called or folded, the dealer “burns” the top card of the deck and places it face down on the table, out of play. The other three cards are then placed in the middle of the table and a new betting round commences.

There are a number of ways to win a poker hand and it is important for a beginner to understand the rankings of the different hands. The most prestigious poker hand is the Royal Flush, which consists of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten all in the same suit. Other good hands include a Straight Flush, a Full House, or a Three of a Kind. In the case of ties, the high card breaks the tie.