Poker is a card game played between two or more players with a variety of rules. It is a popular activity, both at home and in casinos, and has become an international game with millions of fans across the globe.
Basics of the Game
To start a game, each player must place an initial amount of money into the pot, called an ante. These amounts vary by game and can be as small as a dollar or as large as several hundred dollars.
The cards are dealt to each player, one at a time, starting with the player on the left side of the dealer and then clockwise around the table. During the deal, each player can choose to fold (discard their hand), check, or make a bet.
Betting rounds begin after the first round of cards is dealt and are repeated until a hand is established. After betting, each player may discard up to three cards and replace them with new ones from the top of the deck.
By unanimous or majority agreement, players may establish a special fund in each pot called a “kitty.” The kitty is used to pay for new cards or to cover other costs associated with the game. Any chips that remain in the kitty when the game ends are divided equally among the remaining players.