How to Play Poker
Typically, the highest hand wins the pot. However, the pot can be split between the highest and lowest hands. In some games, it is also divided between two of the same hand.
Each player is given five cards. They may be dealt face up or face down. Each player may also request to discard one or more cards, which will improve their hand’s ranking. The player who opens the pot may also hide other cards.
When a player raises, the other players must call or fold. If the player folds, the player does not compete in the hand. The remaining player may then collect the pot.
Ties are broken with a high card. If three or more people tie for the highest card, the high card will break the tie. If two or more people tie for the highest card, a second pair of cards will break the tie. The high card will also break ties when two or more people have high hands of the same type.
After a flop, river or turn, all the betting is done in a clockwise manner. After the last round of betting, a “showdown” takes place. The dealer distributes the cards, but does not reveal the winning hand. During a showdown, the highest hand wins the pot. The pot is then divided among all the players.
Each player must ante. This amount varies depending on the game and stakes. The player who ante first has the right to make the first bet.