Official poker is a game of cards that involves one or more rounds of betting. Different games have different rules, but all share some basic similarities. For example, a player must place chips into the pot before any action can take place. The standard card deck is used in most games, but some players choose to add one or both jokers as wild cards.
The first person to act in each hand is called the dealer button, and the two players sitting to his or her left are known as the small blind and the big blind. These players must place a forced bet before the dealer deals any cards and can then call (match the amount of the previous player’s bet), raise, or fold. All other players may then either call, raise, or fold.
Each player receives two cards face down, which are known as their hole cards. Players can then use these along with the community cards to make a winning poker hand. The best poker hands vary in complexity, and some combinations require only one hole card while others require both.
Poker is a game of skill as much as luck, and it is important for players to adhere to the rules. The onus is on the players to speak up if they notice that a rule has been broken, and to call the floor for a ruling.