A common misconception is that poker is a game of chance, but the truth is that poker is a game of strategy and skill. The basic rules of poker include a set of cards, a betting structure in rounds and a standard poker hand ranking system. The poker variations are numerous, but most of them share the same underlying rules.

The card game of poker is played in tournaments, cash games and a number of other formats. The rules are managed by the professional Tournament Directors Association (TDA). The TDA is made up of managers from large live and online poker rooms, circuits and independent tournament organizers. The group meets every two years to discuss the latest poker rules and reforms.

In a standard poker game, one player acts as dealer and rotates around the table after each deal. Each player receives two cards face down. These are called your hole cards and you use them along with the five community cards on the flop, turn and river to construct your poker hand.

If you are a player at an official poker room, you must adhere to the rules of the game. The rules include keeping your cards in full view of your opponents, allowing other players to see your hole cards and not using your hands as weapons at the table. If you break a rule, the floor manager will come over to make a decision on your case. It is important that you speak up if you think someone at the table is breaking poker rules.