Poker is a card game where players place bets on their hands. The game can be played with two or more people, though it is ideal to have between six and eight players. Players compete to win the pot, the sum of all bets made by all players in a single deal. To win the pot, a player must either have the best poker hand or make a bet that no other player calls.
To start the game, the player immediately to the left of the dealer button receives the first card. The dealer then pitches the cards clockwise around the table. After the dealer pitches the cards, each player receives two more cards. During the beginning of the game, the two players who sit to the left of the dealer button are the players who post the small blind and the big blind. The blinds force players to bet money into the pot, which helps ensure that the game is lively.
In the beginning of each round of Poker, players agree to bet a certain amount before seeing their cards. This is called the ante bet. This prevents games from getting too long and keeps each player somewhat invested in the game.
