Poker is a card game that is played with a set of 52 cards. The hand that has the highest card wins the pot. It’s possible to win by betting a higher pair or bluffing.

There are several different poker variants, but the game’s basic rules remain the same. All players begin the game by placing an ante in the pot.

Each player is then dealt seven cards, one at a time. In the first round of betting, players make bets that are equal to their contributions to the pot. Once the first round ends, the cards are revealed and players can discard up to three of them.

If there is a tie, a high card is used to break it. A poker hand of five cards is considered the best. This includes straights and flushes. Some games may use wild cards.

Aside from the main pot, there may be a side pot. When a player folds, he or she forfeits rights to the main pot.

Another round of betting is then conducted. The next player to bet is then dealt a new set of cards and has the option of putting in a new bet. After the new bet is made, all players drop their discards.

After all the bets are collected into the pot, the highest hand wins the pot. For example, if there are three ties, the hand that has the highest pair wins the pot. Likewise, a hand that has the highest straight is the winner.