Poker is a card game that involves betting. In most games players have five cards and the highest hand wins. There are many variations of poker and rules for each vary.

Some rules are universal and should be followed by all players regardless of the variation of poker being played. Other rules are the result of local customs and preferences. It is not uncommon for a game to have its own set of house rules that are written down and used as the basis for settling disputes.

The game is usually played with a standard pack of 52 cards (although some games use multiple packs or add jokers). The cards are ranked from high to low: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 7, 6, 5. Each player must put in the pot the same amount as the player before him. A player who wants to raise must put in an additional amount of chips, or “call” the bet.

Each player must also keep records and pay taxes on his winnings. Some players may display tells to let others know whether they are bluffing or not. Classic tells include shallow breathing, a sigh, nostril flaring, an eye blinking excessively, eyes watering, and the chin moving up or down.

A kitty is often established by unanimous or majority agreement to pay for new decks of cards, drinks and food, etc. When a game ends, any chips remaining in the kitty are divided equally among the players who remain in the game.