Generally, poker is played with a standard pack of 52 cards. There are several variants, however. Some use multiple packs, and others add jokers. Despite the variations, the basic rules remain the same.

Poker can be played with any number of players. Usually, each player buys in for the same amount.

A hand of five cards, including the hole cards, is required for a winning poker hand. Cards are ranked from Ace to Ace high. Some games allow Wild Cards, which are cards that take any suit. The best poker hand is a “trip” or “straight flush” with two distinct pairs of cards and the fifth card. If more than one player has this type of hand, then the best hand wins the pot.

Players may choose to discard their hand. When they do, they are said to drop. If they do not, they are said to fold. If they do, they can no longer compete for the pot.

The player who holds the highest-ranking poker hand wins the pot. If a tie exists, then the high card breaks the tie. If nobody has a pair, the second pair wins.

Poker betting takes place in a clockwise manner. Each player in turn may “raise” by placing a bigger bet than the previous player.

Each betting interval starts with a bet, followed by antes and blinds. The betting interval ends when each player has the same number of chips as the previous players. The final betting round is called a “showdown” when the hands are revealed.