Despite the name, Poker is a game of skill and not of chance. It is played in private homes, casinos, and poker clubs. There are many variations of the game, but most of them include two rounds of betting.

In the game of poker, the player with the highest ranking poker combination wins the pot. In some versions, the lowest hand is seven-five-four-three-two in two or more suits. Other hands may win side pots.

The pot can also be won by making a bet that no other player calls. Aside from the main pot, each player can win a side pot by placing a bet into the pot, or by raising a bet.

To play the game, each player must be dealt two hole cards. The first player to act is the player to the left of the big blind. A second player has to post the small blind. After each player’s two hole cards have been dealt, a first round of betting occurs.

The second round of betting begins after the flop. A third round of betting follows after the turn.

The first player to raise or call is the player who placed the largest amount of chips in the pot. If a player does not make a bet, they are said to “check”. If a player checks, they are said to “stay in” and do not contribute to the pot.

When there are no players remaining in the main pot, a showdown takes place. The highest hand wins.