The Basics of Poker

Usually, there are a maximum of eight or nine players in poker games. This can vary depending on the game type. The goal of the game is to win by betting until the other players drop out. The pot is won by the highest hand of cards.

Before the game begins, each player receives one card face down. In most games, the deck of cards is 52 cards. However, some games use a deck with multiple packs. In this case, each pack has a different value.

The player to the left of the dealer is the small blind. This player is required to place a small bet into the pot before the first player to act can place a bet. The dealer also has the right to shuffle the cards before the game starts.

After the first round of betting, players take turns making a bet into the pot. Typically, the betting occurs in clockwise order. When a player makes a bet into the pot, he is called an active player. He is required to place a certain number of chips in the pot. This is called the minimum ante. This amount is usually based on the stakes of the game.

Players can also bluff by betting that they have the best hand. They may do this by betting that they have two pairs of aces, for example. This bluff is called a raise.

The player who makes a raise is said to call. The other players must match the bet.