How to Play Poker

Poker is a card game played for money. Players are given a number of cards that represent the value of their hands, and must decide if they want to check the pot, call, raise, or fold. In addition to cards, players also use poker chips, which come in various colors: red, blue, and green. Before the game starts, the dealer assigns a value to each chip. Players can exchange their chips for cash if they wish.

One common way to play poker is with a single pack of 52 cards. This can be a traditional game or one that includes jokers. In one form of the game, the joker is included as a fifth wild card. In some versions of poker, two packs of contrasting colors are used. The dealer deals one pack while the other is shuffled. The previous dealer shuffles the deck and places the cards to his or her left. The dealer then passes the shuffled deck to the next dealer.

Another common variation of poker involves betting. In this game, players may be required to bet a minimum amount of money in order to participate. The minimum amount for a hand is sometimes a pair of jacks. A player must have a minimum hand in order to be able to make a first bet before a draw. This is often referred to as a forced bet.