How to Play Poker

Poker is a betting game where players try to create the best hand possible using their five cards. The player with the highest hand wins the pot. Depending on how the cards are dealt, different players may win the side pots.

Before the game begins, the group decides royalties. Cards are then dealt to each player one at a time. Those who do not want to deal may pass the responsibility to the next player.

When all cards are dealt, the players reveal their hands. Players can check, raise, or fold. A raise means a player is putting more money into the pot. Similarly, a check is a bet that the player is going to stay in the hand without betting.

At the beginning of the game, players have to place a small amount of money into a pot. This is called an ante. Generally, an ante is $1 or $5.

After the antes and blinds, players will be dealt their initial two cards. The cards can be face up or face down. In some variants, players can take new cards from the top of the deck.

Once the first round of betting has ended, the dealer will deal the cards to each player. The first three community cards are face up. During the next round, the player to the left of the big blind is first to act.

The dealer then shuffles the deck. Each player is dealt seven cards. Two are faced down and the other four are face up.