Poker is a card game that involves betting and winning. It is popular in glitzy casinos and seedy dives.

The game is based on probability, psychology, and game theory. The player who has the best hand at the end of play wins the pot.

There are many different versions of the game and there is a lot to learn about it. This is why it is important to understand all of the rules.

Depending on the version of the game, players use a 52-card deck with four of each card and four suits (hearts, spades, clubs, diamonds). Each player is given a set number of chips that represent a dollar amount.

When a player makes a bet, the other players must either “call” or “raise.” If a player raises, he must put in more than the previous caller put into the pot.

Some games have a cap on the amount of money that can be bet or raised. This limit is usually determined by the dealer.

The cards are dealt to each player, beginning with the person to their left. Then, a betting interval begins. This is followed by a showdown, in which each player’s cards are revealed.

If a hand is a tie, the tie is broken by the next highest card. Should two hands be of equal value, the winners share the prize.