How to Play Poker

Poker is a card game in which players independently try to assemble the highest-valued hand of cards. In modern times, this is generally done to win cash or poker chips. The game has been adapted for many different environments and purposes, from social games to high-stakes tournament play. In order to play Poker, players must agree on a set of rules and regulations that govern the game. They may also establish a kitty for the game, which is used to pay for things like new decks of cards and food for the table.

During the first betting phase, each player puts out chips equal to the big blind (called calling). Then 3 more cards are dealt face-up in the center of the table (called the flop). These are called community cards and can be used by all players to build their poker hand. The player with the strongest 5-card poker hand wins the pot.

The best possible poker hands are a straight, flush, full house, or royal flush. If more than one player has a royal flush, the game ends in a showdown. If there is a tie, the highest card breaks the tie. Players can also bet on their poker hands by putting out chips to raise the stakes. In addition, players can “check” by pushing their cards to the dealer facedown without putting any chips in.