Whether you’re playing poker for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, there are a few basic things you need to know. The basic rules of poker are designed to maximize your winnings and keep you from losing money.

Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck. These cards are ranked from Ace to Ten. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot. Ties break when two or more people have the same highest card.

After each round of cards is dealt, players can decide whether to fold or to call. Players may also choose to raise their bet. If they choose to raise, they must “call” the bet made by the player to their left. If they choose to check, they must drop the bet. If they choose to fold, they can no longer compete for the pot.

Poker betting intervals are designed to allow the players to choose whether to raise, call or fold. A betting interval usually starts with a player betting one or more chips and ends when the last player has dropped their bet. The betting interval is followed by a final round of cards. The final round of cards is known as the “showdown”. When the cards are revealed, the highest-ranking hand wins the pot.

If you’re new to the game, it is best to learn how to play poker with a group of people. You can also refer to a friend or a resource for additional information.