Poker is a card game in which the players attempt to win the pot. It is played in private homes, in poker clubs, and in casinos. Although there are several variants of the game, the core rules are the same. The player who has the highest hand wins.

Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The backs of the cards are different colors. Typically, two decks are used. Depending on the type of poker, there are different amounts of cards in the deck. Some games use two decks of the same color while others use two decks of the opposite color.

The players start the game with their two starting cards. They can choose to discard up to three cards before the deal begins. Cards are then dealt clockwise around the table.

The dealer or house dealer, usually a white plastic disk, is responsible for dealing the cards. He has the final right to shuffle the cards.

The first bettor has the responsibility of making the first bet. This bet is usually a fixed amount. Players can match the initial bet or raise their stakes.

After the first round of betting, the dealer deals more cards to the remaining players. Each player receives one card face down and can see the other cards.

In some games, the ace may be treated as the lowest card. If two or more players have straights, the higher card wins. When two players have two pairs, the lower pair is eliminated.