Poker is a card game involving betting between two or more people. It is played with either a standard 52-card deck or, more commonly, an arbitrary number of cards. The objective of the game is to win the pot, which consists of all of the bets made in one deal. A player may win the pot by having a high-ranking hand, or by making a bet that no opponents choose to call. Bluffing is a primary feature of the game and is what differentiates it from other games of chance or vying.

The game is played in a circular fashion with players sitting around a table. Each player has a stack of chips, and when it is his turn to act, he must either raise the bet or fold his hand. When he raises, he must match or increase the amount of the previous player’s stake in order to stay in the pot. A player may also check (pass) his turn if he does not wish to bet.

A hand consists of two personal cards in the player’s possession, plus five community cards on the table. The highest ranking hand is the royal flush, which consists of a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit. A straight flush is another high ranking hand that consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit. If a hand is composed of four of a kind, the higher rank wins (Five aces beats five kings). If no hand qualifies, then the high card breaks the tie.