Poker is a game of chance played with a pack of cards. The objective of the game is to make the best hand possible by betting. Usually the pot is awarded to the highest ranked hand. In some poker variants, the pot may be divided between the highest and lowest hands.

Typically, a standard 52-card deck is used. The first player makes the initial bet. Other players must match the bet. After the first round of betting, the dealer shuffles the deck. Afterwards, the deck is passed to the next player.

The earliest version of the game is probably the French poque, which developed alongside the German pochen. Later, the game gained popularity in the United Kingdom as three-card brag. Today, some games add jokers to the deck.

Depending on the game, the cards are dealt face-down or face-up. Cards are ranked from Ace high to ace low. Occasionally, the ace can be linked with a deuce. If the ace is tied with a deuce, the player who received the ace wins.

During the first betting interval, a player may choose to raise. Some poker variations allow players to raise by as many as 14 chips. Others do not.

At the end of the second betting interval, all but one player can fold. When this happens, the dealer is called in. Alternatively, the player may continue playing.

A third betting interval follows. During this period, all but one player can raise. Players can also fold.