Poker is played from a standard pack of cards with the same ranking (Ace, King, Queen, Jack) and suits (spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs). Depending on the game, it may also include jokers or some other special card(s).

Two cards are dealt to each player at the table. Then a round of betting takes place based on the assumption that each player has a good hand or not. During this round of betting players can raise or fold their cards.

Once a player has raised or folded their cards they cannot bet again until the next betting interval. This is known as the “turn” or “flop.” It is a good idea to be able to read other players by their eye movements, idiosyncrasies, hand gestures and betting behavior. For example a player who always calls bets and then raises dramatically may be holding a very strong hand.

Generally, the highest five-card hand wins. If a hand is tied for rank, then the higher card outside the tie wins. A flush is any five cards of the same suit. A straight is any five cards that skip around in rank or sequence but are all from the same suit. A pair is two matching cards of the same rank and another unmatched card. A full house is three matching cards of one rank and two matching cards of a different rank. A high card wins ties for flushes, pairs and straights.