Poker is a card game where players compete with each other to have the best hand. The game has many variations, but the basic rules are the same. Players compete by betting on their best hand, which is a combination of cards with different ranks. They must bet chips on the strength of their hands, and call bets if they think they have the best hand or fold if they believe they are outmatched. If all players call, the best hand wins.

The game of Poker is based on probability and game theory. In other words, a hand has a relative rank only if it is a pair of cards. If two players have identical pairs, the tie-up is decided by the ranking of the next card. In five-card poker, the same rules apply to the other player’s hand.

Starting hands are important when playing Razz, as the best hand is a wheel straight. It is also important to pay attention to low cards and to make sure that you have a good starting hand. This is because players may overvalue low hole cards. Also, beware of players who think they are playing Stud when they aren’t.

Poker rules differ from one casino to another, but the general rules are the same. Players place an ante or blind bet to start the game. A player must also bet at the start of each round to determine where the action will begin.