Poker is a card game in which players compete to form the best possible hand. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot, which is the aggregate of all bets in the game.

Typically, poker is played in games with a total of six to 14 players. In some variants, the number of players may be limited to two or three.

The game starts with a deal, in which the dealer shuffles and deals a single card to each player, beginning with the player on the left. Cards may be dealt face-up or face-down, depending on the variant being played.

After the initial deal, there are several betting rounds in which players can raise and re-raise their bets. The highest-ranking poker hand is typically the winner of the round, although other hands can also win the pot.

Standard poker hands include a royal flush (an Ace, Jack, Queen, King and a card of the same suit, such as 10, spades, clubs or diamonds). A straight is 5 cards of consecutive rank in the same suit.

A full house is a hand that contains 3 cards of the same rank and 2 cards of another rank. A flush is 5 cards of the same suit.

If you’re new to poker, it’s best to start with the lowest limits so that you can learn the game and play versus weaker players. Then, once you’re comfortable with losing a certain amount of money, move up to higher stakes.