Poker is a game in which players wager chips. Each round, one player has the privilege of placing the first bet. Each player must also place a number of chips in the pot equal to the total contributions of the players before him. This player is considered an “active player.” After this, all players have a chance to participate in the pot.

A hand that has four cards of the same rank wins. If two players have four of the same rank, the high card wins the hand. If no one has a pair, or if two players have the same high card, then a hand is called a flush. This is the highest possible hand in the game.

Poker is played by five players at a table. Each player is dealt seven cards. The initial dealer is chosen by dealing one card to each player. The highest card is the initial dealer. If there is a tie, the dealer must re-deal the deck. The remaining players are then dealt one card from their hand and four cards from the table. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.

Some poker variations require players to place blind bets before each hand is dealt. These bets can replace or supplement the ante. This requirement is rotated around the table with each round. Players take turns making blind bets and call each other’s blind bets.