Typically, poker is played by a group of people around a circular table. The goal of the game is to create the best possible poker hand. The player with the best hand wins the pot.

Poker is played with any number of players, but the ideal number is between six and eight. The ante, or minimum bet, is usually set at a fixed amount, but can vary by game type. The dealer has the final right to shuffle the cards.

Each player is dealt two cards at a time. The first player has the obligation to make the first bet. After the first betting period, the remaining players can choose to fold or raise. If a player chooses to raise, their bet is added to the bet in front of them.

The final betting phase begins with the player with the best face-up card. This player is then able to use one card from their hand. Then, the turn passes to the left. In turn, the remaining players reveal their hand.

If no player raises, the betting phase ends and players reveal their hands. In turn, players reveal their hands, until the last player has a downturned card.

A “straight” is five cards in sequential order. A straight flush starts with the highest value card. A “backdoor flush” is achieved by hitting the needed card on the turn and river. In certain special hands, the joker counts as a fifth card.