In poker, players compete for an amount of chips in a pot based on their hand and their prediction of the chances that their opponents have a better one. There are many different variations of poker, but all feature betting rounds and the opportunity to combine one or more hole cards with community cards. A good strategy for winning a hand is to bluff.
The first round of betting in any game of poker typically involves a compulsory bet from all players, known as the ‘blind’. This is usually equal to or double the previous player’s raise, and must be made before the dealer deals a single card to each player. Then the players can choose whether to call, raise or fold their hands.
When the players’ cards are revealed, they must expose them for a showdown, after which a winner is determined. If no one has a pair or three of a kind, the highest card breaks the tie. If the cards are of equal rank, the suits (clubs, hearts, diamonds, and spades) can also break ties.
The rules of poker differ between tournament and cash games (AKA ring games). A standard tournament allows players to ‘buy-in’ for a set amount, then begin with the same number of chips, and they can be added to in any quantity between hands. In cash games, raising is unlimited, but verbally declaring that you are going to take a bet is binding and you must follow through.