Poker is a family of comparing card games in which players wager over which hand is best according to that specific game’s rules. They vary in deck configuration, the number of cards dealt face up or down, and the amount of money shared by all players.
First, a casino provides one player to act as dealer (usually rotating clockwise). The two players to the left of this dealer position are called the small blind and big blind. They are required to place a forced bet of a pre-determined amount before cards are dealt.
Next, each player is dealt two cards face down. These are referred to as the “hole” cards. The first betting round begins with the player to the left of the big blind.
Betting continues clockwise with each player having the option to fold, call, or raise. After the first betting interval, there is a showdown in which each player shows their hand and the best hand wins the pot.
Bluffing is a fundamental feature of poker, making it different from other vying games. It is possible for a player to make a bet or raise without any other players calling.
If no other players call, the hand ends immediately and the bettor is awarded the pot. However, it is still possible for a player to win the pot if all of their opponents fold.
In any poker situation where a rule is violated, it is the responsibility of all players to speak up and report the violation to the floorperson. The floorperson will usually be the manager of the poker room, and will come over to make a final ruling on the issue adhering to poker rules.