The game of poker requires the ability to read your opponents and be able to make good bluffs. It also involves a good amount of skill in the mathematics of probability. In addition to the cards, players use chips to represent money. Chips come in a variety of colors, each representing a different dollar amount. Generally, it is preferred to play with chips instead of cash for several reasons, including that it is easier to stack, count, keep track of, and make change with.
Each betting interval, or round, begins with a player putting in chips into the pot equal to or higher than the previous bet. Then it is the next player’s turn to either call (match) that bet by putting in the same amount of chips, raise (increase the bet), or drop. If a player drops, they lose any chips they have put into the pot up to that point and cannot participate in that hand.
Once everyone has two hole cards a second round of betting begins with the player on the left of the dealer. This is known as the flop. Another card is dealt face up on the board that anyone can use, this is called the turn.
A player can win the pot by having a high pair, three of a kind, or a straight. If there is a tie, the highest card wins. If there are no high pairs or a straight, then the best two-card hand wins.