Poker is a game of skill, where you play against other players, and you can win if you have the best hand. Each player is dealt five cards. They must then bet or call.

To make a poker hand, a player must combine five community and pocket cards with at least one pocket pair. The highest card in the hand wins. For example, if there is a tie, a straight flush starts with the highest card.

Poker is played in a variety of forms. Most commonly, two decks of cards are used. These are usually in different colors. Alternatively, the dealer can cut the deck, which is then handed to each player.

Before the first round of betting begins, players have to ante. This small bet gives the pot a value immediately. After the ante is paid, the cards are then dealt to each player.

Cards are dealt face up or face down, depending on the rules of the particular poker game. Players then must wager before discarding their cards. Once the new cards have been dealt, another round of betting is held. If the pot is still not filled, a showdown occurs. When the hand is revealed, the winner takes the pot.

The pot is usually divided equally among the players if there are a number of players in contention. In a case of a tie, the highest unmatched fifth card wins.

Players may be able to create an illusion of a weak hand by hiding high-value chips and moving their chips closer to the center of the table. However, this type of play is not cheating.