Generally, poker is played with a standard pack of 52 cards. Players are dealt cards one at a time, and the best hand wins the pot. Some games, such as Omaha, may add Wild Cards. These cards are not included in the standard pack of 52 cards.

After cards are dealt, a player may choose to discard his hand or use one of his cards to make a bet. Some games require players to make a forced bet, such as the ante, before they can begin playing.

The ante is usually a small bet, usually $1 or $5. This is the “buy-in” to the round of poker. The amount of the ante will vary according to the type of poker and the game’s rules.

After the cards have been dealt, the dealer begins the first round of betting. After all players have made a bet, the next round of cards is dealt to the remaining players.

The player to the left of the dealer button is the first to act. He must post the big blind and small blind. The button then moves one spot clockwise after each hand.

The next round of cards begins with the players revealing their hands. Players may choose to match or raise their bets. This is called “calling.” Some games require players to make a forced or blind bet.

If no one calls, the round of betting is over. The player who made the most recent bet is the “bettor.” He will be the first to take the pot.