During a hand of poker, players are dealt five cards. The objective is to use the best hand of cards. The highest card gives the hand value. The pot is won by the player with the best hand. In the case of ties, the high card breaks the tie.
In some variant games, Wild Cards may be used to supplement a player’s hand. A Wild Card is any card that can substitute for any other card in the hand. For example, an ace can be linked with a king to create a pair of kings.
Some poker variations award the pot to the lowest-ranked hand. This is usually the case in Texas Hold’em. However, there are some other variations that don’t consider flushes or straights.
The first round of betting begins with the antes and blinds. Each player must bet, raise, or fold. If no one calls, the betting phase ends. If one or more callers remain, the game continues. If all players fold, the last round of betting ends with the Showdown.
The dealer deals out one card to each player. The cards are face down, or in some variant games, they are dealt face up. The first player to act is the player immediately to the left of the big blind.
If no one calls, the next player to act is the player to the left of the small blind. If someone raises, the play proceeds straight to the next round.