The Basics of Poker
Poker is a family of comparing card games played worldwide. Players choose five cards from which to create their hand. The player who makes the best hand wins all of the chips in the pot.
The game usually starts with a pre-flop round of betting. All players must match their bets. If any of the players pass, the action moves to the next round.
Another round of betting occurs after discarded cards. At this point, all remaining players can fold or raise. Once all but one player has folded, the action is over.
When all players have acted, the remaining players can discard one to five cards, and the winner takes the pot. In some games, the pot is split between the highest and lowest hands.
Typically, a poker game is played with a standard 52-card deck. Some games have variations where the cards are dealt face-down or face-up.
Poker is also played with a small pack of cards, sometimes called a short-deck. This was common during the American Revolution.
Most modern games use a deck of 52 cards. The best hand is a trip-sevens hand, or two of a kind with the highest card in each suit. Straights are a good choice, as well as aces.
A “backdoor flush” is achieved by hitting the needed cards on the turn and river. However, some poker versions don’t consider straights, and award the pot to the lowest hand.
The best way to play poker is to treat opponents with respect. Do not criticize other players, and don’t give advice.