Among the most popular games around the world is poker. It is played in virtually every country where card games are played.

The game has evolved into various variants, each with its own rules. Aside from the standard pack of cards, players may also use wild cards. These are cards that are not ranked but are used to create the highest possible hand. These cards can take any suit.

Poker can be played by families, friends, and even professional players. The game is a favorite for home parties and cigar-smoking nights.

Each player is given seven cards. The lowest possible hand is 7-5-4-3-2 in two or more suits. This is called a straight flush. In some games, the ace is treated as the lowest card. The best natural hand is a straight flush.

A four of a kind is four cards of the same rank. When there are two four of a kind of the same rank, the highest one wins. When there are more than two four of a kind of the same suit, the high card breaks ties.

The dealer deals cards to each player, one at a time. The dealer has the last right to shuffle the deck.

Players can either use the two cards in their hand or shuffle and discard the remaining cards. If they decide to shuffle, they can do so after any player has placed a bet.

When a player raises, the next player to call must match the bet. If the player checks, he is called, and if he folds, he is no longer in the pot.