Poker is a card game in which players place bets into a common pot. The player with the highest hand wins the pot. There are many different types of poker, but the game is characterized by betting and by the fact that there is a significant amount of skill involved. Poker is a game of chance, but the outcome of any particular hand significantly depends on the actions of the players, who act based on probability, psychology and game theory.

To begin a hand, each player must first ante something (the amount varies by game but in our games it is usually a nickel). The dealer then shuffles the cards and deals them to each player in turn, starting with the player on his left. The cards may be dealt face-down or face-up, depending on the variant of poker being played. After the initial deal, the first of what may be several betting rounds begins. Bets are placed into the common pot in front of each player, and at the end of a round, the bets are collected.

During a betting round, players may raise or call bets. A player who calls a bet must raise it to at least match the previous raised amount, or fold his hand. A player may also choose to fold if he does not believe that his hand has a good chance of winning the pot. The remaining active players reveal their hands at the showdown, and the player with the best hand wins the pot.