Poker is a family of comparing card games in which players wager over which hand is best according to that specific game’s rules. These games are played worldwide and in some places the rules may vary.

The game starts with each player placing an ante, or “buy-in” amount, into the pot before cards are dealt to them. The ante is usually a small amount, such as $1 or $5.

Once the cards are dealt to each player, they can bet or fold, depending on their position. If they choose to bet, their opponent must match the bet or fold.

After the initial betting round, three new cards are put out on the table for all players to see (these are called flop or community cards). Then another round of betting begins, starting with the player sitting left of the dealer.

When a new round of betting is underway, the player who bet last in the previous round may choose to check, which means they will not bet or fold but will have to wait for other players to make their next bet.

In some games, players can also raise, or bet more than their opponents’ previous bets. These rounds of betting go on until either all players have folded, in which case the player with the highest bet wins the chips; or until every hand has been dealt and the final player shows their hand.