The game of poker is played using a standard 52-card deck, which can include one or two jokers. The cards are dealt to players clockwise around the poker table. The highest-ranking hand wins. The highest-value card in each hand is called the high card. The straight flush starts with the highest-ranking card, giving the player the highest hand value. There are usually five to seven players in the game of poker.

There are many different variations of poker, but the basic game rules are the same for all poker games. In Texas Hold’em, each player must place an ante (or “buy in” bet) before each round. After a player has placed an ante, he/she is dealt two cards. During the game, players make bets based on the strength of the cards that they have. The player with the strongest hand wins the round and the money they bet.

While its origins are unclear, poker has become an international game. Rumors have suggested that it may have originated in ancient Persia. However, the first European version of the game dates back to the 17th century. The game was then developed from the Spanish primero and German pochen. After gaining popularity in Europe, it spread to other countries, including North America.

Some poker variants require players to make blind bets. These bets may replace or add to the ante. This requirement is rotated from round to round, so that each player has a chance to make one.