The game of Poker is filled with catchy expressions, but none more important than the one that says “Play the Player, Not the Cards.” It means that, as much as your hand may seem good, it’s only really a great deal of fun if you can compare it to what your opponents are holding.
The first round of betting begins once everyone has received their two hole cards. Each player then has the option to fold their hand, raise their ante, or call. After this, the dealer burns a card and deals another face up in the center of the table, known as the flop. A second round of betting now takes place.
After the flop, players have the option to check again, or discard their cards and draw 1 to 3 new ones. Once all players have decided on their course of action, the remaining cards are revealed and the winner is declared.
The highest hand is a Royal Flush (A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit). Other high hands include four of a kind; straight; three of a kind; and pair. Players may also have two unmatched cards (known as a high card) for a low hand. Once the final betting round has been completed, the winning hand is revealed and the pot is collected. The dealer button passes clockwise after each betting interval. It is the player to the left of the button who starts each round.