Poker is a card game in which players use cards to make their best hand. The player who makes the best combination of five cards wins the pot.

There are a number of different rules for playing the game, some of which are common to most games and others that are unique to specific players or types of tournaments. This article looks at some of the main rules, and explains how they can be applied in a game.

ANTETISES

Before the cards are dealt, each player must put in an amount of money called the “ante.” It is up to the dealer to decide whether the players can ante more than the minimum ante, but this is usually not allowed.

CHIPS

Most poker chips are coloured and vary in value. They are used in cash games, but they also come into play in tournaments. The colour and value of chips can differ in some events, such as the World Series of Poker.

STRING BETTING/RAIING

One of the most common mistakes is breaking poker rules by string betting or raising. This occurs when a player makes one forward motion to call, then goes back and forth to raise, without any verbalization or indication of the raise.

HANDS AND MUCK

There are unwritten rules that a player must follow in order to protect their own hand. This includes keeping their hands away from the muck until it is clear that they have won the showdown.