Poker is a game of chance played with a standard 52-card deck. The highest-ranking poker hand wins the pot. It can also be won by making a bet that no other player calls.

There are three main types of betting: opening, ante, and forced. Players begin by placing an ante into the pot. They may also open with a raise. A raise is an extra bet that pays off for a player when their hand matches the minimum required. If the player does not have a qualifying hand, they can choose to fold.

The dealer deals cards face up. The player who opened must then declare his or her hand. Before he or she throws away the cards, they have to prove that they opened the pot legally.

When all the action has been completed, a showdown occurs. At this time, the players can view their hands and the winner takes the pot.

Poker may be played with as few as four or as many as eight players. However, the ideal number is six or eight. In tournaments, the goal is to be at the top of the chip leader board.

In some variations, the pot is split between the highest and lowest hands. The best natural hand is a straight flush. Other hands, such as a pair of kings, are not necessarily bad off the deal.

The first betting round begins with the player to the left of the button. He or she posts a small blind. If no one calls, they will be forced to post a bigger bet.