Poker is one of the most popular card games played around the world. It is very easy to learn and there are advanced techniques available to more serious players. However, you need to know the basic rules of the game first. Keeping these in mind will help you understand the game better.

The first rule is to be courteous. Don’t criticize others’ play or ask about their chips. These actions are considered rude and spoil the game.

In addition, don’t make comments about the folded hand while the deal is still underway. Doing so can be a penalty.

If you are the dealer, you can count the chip pile to find out how many chips are left. This helps you decide how much to put into the pot.

Players will be seated in pre-determined order. New players will assume the worst position.

After the first round of betting, the dealer or floorperson turns the community cards simultaneously. They will also give each player the option to raise or fold.

After all the hands have been dealt, the winning hand gets the pot. A flush is any five cards of the same suit.

There is a big blind and small blind. These blinds are placed to the left of the dealer. The big blind is twice the size of the small blind.

When the first card is dealt, the player to the immediate left of the dealer must make a bet. As long as no other players are ready to bet, the player to the left of the big blind can either call or raise.