Poker is a card game in which players place wagers (in chips) on the outcome of a hand. There are many different variants of the game, but all share certain basic characteristics.

The game is played from a standard pack of 52 cards (although some games use multiple packs or add jokers). A poker hand consists of five cards; the highest card wins. There are four suits: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs. A player may also add a wild card to his or her hand.

Each player has the right to reveal their cards at the end of a betting phase, which ends once all players have done so. The player with the best hand will win all the money placed into the pot.

Before each deal, some games require that all players make a bet (or ante) before they receive their cards. The person to the left of the player who makes the bet must put in a minimum amount of chips or cash equal to the bet made by the player before him.

The first betting round, called the flop, involves three community cards that are revealed face-up and can be used by anyone. The dealer then deals another card face-up, this is called the turn. During this stage players must decide whether to raise their bets or fold. The final betting phase, called the river, reveals the fifth and final community card. If the player has a strong hand, they will call the bet and continue to the showdown.