Using five cards, poker players make a hand. The highest hand wins the pot. When two or more people tie for the highest card, the high card breaks the tie. Likewise, when two four of a kind with the same rank tie, the highest card outside the four of a kind breaks the tie.
To play, a player is dealt five cards face down. If he or she has a good hand, he or she may bet, call or raise. If a player has a bad hand, he or she may fold, check or drop.
Before the game begins, each player is assigned values for the chips in his or her hand. These values are usually red, green or blue. The poker dealer then exchanges the cash for the chips. Before the deal, each player may also be required to ante up. Normally, the ante amount varies by game.
Once the first player has made his or her bet, the betting interval begins. Each betting interval is usually one round. After each round, the turn is passed to the next player. When the last player bets, the betting interval ends. The showdown follows. If two or more players call the opening bet, the pot plays.
In the case of a raise, a player must bet the same amount or more than the previous bettor. If no other player calls, the pot is won by the best five-card hand. When a bluff is made, the opponent may call the bluff.
