Whether you’re playing a no-limit, fixed-limit or pot-limit game, there are a few basic rules to follow. You’ll also find many variations on these rules.

The first rule to remember is that a player must “buy in” with chips. This is done by purchasing chips, usually in the same amount as the preceding players.

A poker player can also bet or “call” a bet. If a player does not have enough money to bet, he may fold. Alternatively, he may choose to “match” the previous bet. If the previous bet was large, the player may choose to raise the new bet.

The goal of poker is to create the best possible hand. This is accomplished by using the cards in hand and the cards dealt to you. The highest hand wins the pot. If two people have the same hand, a high card breaks the tie.

Players can fold, or “check” or “raise.” They can also use one of their own cards or the card they’re holding. Depending on the game, players may use a “wild” card. This card can take any suit. Some poker games use two packs, while others use a single pack.

The dealer begins by shuffling the cards. Then, he passes a pack to the next dealer. The dealer then deals out two cards to each player. These cards are sometimes dealt face down.

Betting occurs in a clockwise fashion. The first bet is usually a small one. In some games, the ante is a forced bet, such as a blind bet. The next bet is usually larger than the previous bet. The next bet is usually made by the first bettor.