The Basics of Poker

In a game of poker, the highest hand wins. A high hand consists of two cards of the same suit and is called a “high hand”. A low hand, also called a “low hand,” consists of a single card. If two players have the same high and low hands, the pot will be divided as evenly as possible. The highest hand in poker is five of a kind, which beats a straight flush. When a wild card is added, the highest hand can be a five-of-a-kind. Secondary pairs and highest unmatched cards are also used in breaking ties.

When a player has two pairs, he can raise to a higher denomination to win the pot. When a player raises, the other players have to call. If no one calls, he loses all of his money. If he folds, he forfeits all of his chips and the pot is split. This process is repeated until all players have at least one pair of aces.

The betting in poker is done in clockwise order. One player has the privilege or obligation to make the first bet, and the other players place their bets into the middle pot. The winner of the pot is the player with the best hand.