How to Play Poker

Poker

Typical poker games consist of two or more betting intervals. The last betting interval is called a “showdown.” Each player’s hand is revealed and the highest hand wins the pot. The highest hand is the one with the best five-card combination.

When multiple players have the same high card, the high card breaks the tie. If nobody has the high card, a tie is broken by a card of another suit. This is called a “backdoor flush.” A backdoor flush is created by hitting the needed cards on the turn and river.

Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck. The cards are ranked from Ace high to Ace low. The highest hand is a “trip.” This is made up of three jacks and two 6s. The next best hand is a “straight.” This is made up of five cards in sequential order.

Poker games can be played with as many as eight players. However, ideally, the number is between six and eight. Each player is dealt seven cards. The cards are dealt face-up in rotation to the left.

The player to the immediate right of the button is called the “dealer.” The dealer is the person who shuffles the cards. He also deals the cards one at a time. The dealer has the last right to shuffle the cards.

After the first hand, the dealer’s button is passed clockwise around the table. Every hand that is played, a new spot is designated by the button.