Poker is a card game played between two or more players. There are many variations on the game, but all share a core set of rules. The objective is to use the cards you are dealt to create a high-ranking five-card poker hand – or convince the other players that you have the best hand, even if you don’t!

There are four betting rounds in poker: the pre-flop, flop, turn, and river. Each round involves a small amount of money (the ante) being placed in the pot before the cards are dealt. Then the dealer deals three cards face up on the table – the community cards – and players can now bet, raise, or fold.

The highest poker hand is the Royal Flush, which consists of five matching cards of the same rank in sequence (or straight) from different suits. The second highest is Four of a Kind, which consists of three cards of the same rank and two unmatched cards. Two Pair consists of two cards of the same rank plus two other unmatched cards, and the lowest hand is Pair – two unmatched cards.

It is important to follow the rules of poker etiquette, which ensure a fair and fun game for everyone involved. For example, you should not hold your cards so that other players can see them unless it is necessary for you to do so. Otherwise, other players might be able to guess which cards you have in your hand and they may be able to bluff successfully against you.