Poker is a card game in which players compete against each other to obtain the best hand. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.
A poker game starts with a dealer (usually a person who sits at the table’s button) and two players to the left of that position, known as the small blind and big blind. These players must put a certain amount of money in the pot before the cards are dealt.
The dealer deals each player two face down cards, called “hole” cards. Each player then has the option to fold, call (match the amount of the small blind), bet or raise.
Players can also choose to check, a move that does not require any action by the player making the check. This is not considered an official poker rule, but it can speed up the game and make it easier to play for everyone involved.
Protecting Your Hand
It is important to remember that your hand can be stolen from you at any time during the game, especially when you are not aware of it. The most common way to protect your hand is by using a hand protector. However, a player can also use their chips or other objects on top of their cards.
Angle Shooting
In poker, a player who intentionally takes an advantage of other players is called “angle shooting.” This is not an official poker rule, but it can be very damaging to your game.