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The Basics of Poker

Poker

Poker is a card game that involves skill, luck, and bluffing. While poker does involve a large amount of chance, the best players win over the long run by making optimal betting decisions based on the rules and structure of the game.

The game is played with a minimum of two players and a maximum of 14. Players ante a small amount (the exact amount varies depending on the game, our games are typically a dime). The dealer then shuffles the cards and deals each player five cards face down. Betting then takes place around the table until everyone has had a chance to call or fold. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.

After the first betting round is complete, the dealer places three community cards face up on the table called the flop. These are available for everyone to use and the betting continues.

Once the third round is over, the dealer puts one more community card on the table which makes four community cards total. The final betting round takes place and the player with the highest five card poker hand wins the pot.

Pairs

A pair consists of two matching cards of the same rank, such as three aces or two queens. High pair breaks ties. If two hands have the same pairs, the highest card outside of the pair wins (for example, a high three of a kind beats a high straight). Four of a kind