Poker is a game of skill where the players try to make the best possible hand. A poker hand is made up of five cards. The hand is formed by the cards that each player has in his or her hand, plus the cards that are part of the community cards.
There are several variations of the game. Each variation has its own set of rules, and some versions are played with more cards than others. For instance, some variants of the game are played with a full 52-card deck.
Poker can be played with any number of players. Typically, the number of players is between six and eight. In some countries, the deck is shorter, so that there are only a few cards in play.
To play, each player must place a certain amount of money in the pot. This amount is called the ante. Once the player has placed the ante, he or she may choose to fold. If the player chooses to fold, he or she will discard the hand and any cards that are remaining.
Before a round of betting begins, each player is given one card face up. If there are any exposed pairs, a higher limit is applied to the ante.
A pot is a pool of all bets by all players in a single deal. The pot is won by the highest-ranking poker hand. The pot can also be won by a bet that no other player calls.