The game of Poker is a card game in which players wager money, called chips, on the outcome of a hand. It is generally played in rounds and the winner of each round is awarded all the money in the pot. The players must decide whether to call, raise or fold their cards. The game is typically played by two or more people on a single table, although it can be a one-on-one game.
Depending on the rules of the game, some or all players are required to place an initial amount of money into the pot before the cards are dealt. These are called forced bets and can come in the form of ante, blind, or bring-in bets. Players also place bets voluntarily during the course of a hand for a variety of strategic reasons, including to attempt to bluff other players.
Once each player has received their two personal cards (hole cards), a round of betting takes place. A third card is then dealt face up on the table, this is called the flop. This card can be used to make a three-card poker hand or can replace any card in the player’s hand.
After the flop is revealed, another round of betting takes place. The highest-ranking poker hand is a royal flush, consisting of a 10 of the same suit (clubs, diamonds, hearts or spades) in one suit. This can only be beaten by a four-of-a-kind or a straight flush.