Typically, poker is played with a standard pack of 52 cards. This pack of cards has four suits – a pair of Aces, King, Queen, and Jack. Depending on the game, other cards may be added as well.

The goal of poker is to make the best five-card hand, including a flush, straight, or straight flush. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot. Alternatively, a pot can be split between two straights of equal value. Ties are broken when a high card breaks them. The best straight is 8-9.

The game starts with the dealer dealing two cards to each player. These cards may be face up or down.

Next, the player to the left of the big blind sits in the first to act position. This player is also the player who will make the first bet. The first bet is known as the ante. This bet is generally small. It is also called the “buy-in” bet.

A second betting round is played after the flop. This is where the betting takes place in clockwise order. This round is also called the turn.

The turn card is a five. It is also known as the “river.” This card is the last community card. It is the highest card if there are two or more five of a kind hands.

The final betting round is called the showdown. The last player to bet is called the “raiser.” He or she may raise the previous bet by the full amount.