During the initial betting phase, every player may choose to call or fold. The decision is based on the pot size. When a call is made, the pot is divided evenly between the players. This is where the “best hand” comes into play.

Several types of cards are used in poker. The most common is a standard deck of 52 cards. Other games use different packs or even jokers. In Texas Hold’em, two decks of different back colors are used.

One round of betting occurs between each new hand. The best hand wins the pot. If a player holds a straight flush, he is the best. Another type of hand is a “backdoor flush.” This is achieved by hitting a set of needed cards on the turn and river.

A straight is a straight of five cards, usually starting with the highest value card. A flush is a hand of all cards of the same suit. The best possible straight is 8-9. A full house is a hand of two Aces and a King. A pair of kings is not as good off the deal as it is when you are sandbagging.

A high card breaks ties when there is more than one person with the highest card. The card can be a deuce or a king.

A three card brag was a popular gentleman’s game during the American Revolution. This game is still played in the U.K. A modern version of the game is called Three Card POKER.