Poker is a card game of skill, strategy and luck. It is played by 2 or more people in a betting circle with the goal of making the best 5-card hand. In the game, players reveal their cards and whoever has the best hand wins the pot. There are many different versions of the game, including stud and draw, but they all follow similar rules. It’s a fun game to play with friends and family on a quiet night!

The game starts with everyone getting 2 cards. There is then a round of betting with each player having the option to call, raise or fold. Players place an initial amount of money into the pot called antes or blinds before they are dealt. This ensures there is a pot to win and gives the players an incentive to stay in the game.

After the flop is dealt, there is another round of betting and then another card is revealed. If your hand is weak, it’s best to check and fold. However, if you have a strong hand, raising is a good way to price out weak hands from the pot.

The best hand is a full house with 3 matching cards of the same rank and two matching cards of a different rank. A flush is 5 consecutive cards of the same suit. A straight is five cards in sequence but with no suits in between. A pair is two matching cards of the same rank and one unmatched card.