Poker is a card game in which players wager money against each other. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, although some variant games use multiple packs or add one or more “jokers.” The highest-ranking hand wins the pot. Players place an ante (amount varies by game) to be dealt cards, then put money into the pot in turn as betting continues. A player may also raise his bet, putting more money into the pot and forcing other players to call or fold.

Players take turns clockwise around the table revealing their hands. If a player’s cards match, it is a straight or flush. If two players hold identical cards, it is a tie. The highest-ranking hand wins the pot, and any remaining chips are divided among the players.

The best possible poker hand consists of three matching rank cards in the suit you’re holding. A pair of kings is not a great hand, but it’s better than nothing. When you’re holding a good hand, it’s important to keep your opponent guessing by making bets of varying amounts.

Always respect the dealer. If he makes a mistake, don’t make fun of him or call attention to it. This gives him the impression that he’s not doing his job well, and that can affect your chances of winning the pot. You should also refrain from telling other players how many chips you have in your stack. It’s easy for other players to count your chips, and this can give them an advantage when betting.