Poker is a card game where players attempt to form the best hand possible from the cards they are dealt. The cards are mixed together, and each player must make forced bets called antes or blind bets before any of the cards are dealt.
There are many variants of poker. However, a basic set of rules apply to most forms.
Before cards are dealt, a player on the left of the dealer or “button” must post a small or large blind bet, depending on the specific version of poker being played. Once the cards are shuffled, they are then dealt one at a time to each player in turn starting with the player to their immediate left.
In most games, the highest possible hand is a royal flush. Other winning hands include straight flush, four of a kind, and full house.
A common mistake made by novice players is to throw caution to the wind and bet too early when they have a strong hand, such as a pair of Kings or Queens. This is a very unwise strategy, because it can lead to losing your money or even being eliminated from the game altogether.
