Poker is a gambling game played by professionals and amateurs alike. The aim of the game is to create the best hand possible. Players can do this by using cards from their own hands or betting in order to raise or call their opponents’ bets.

In a typical poker game, each player receives five cards, which are ranked from the ace to the king. If any of the cards are a pair, the pair wins. Otherwise, if two or more players have a pair, the highest unmatched card breaks the tie.

A straight flush is a set of five cards in sequential order, such as K-A-K-Q-J-10. It is considered to be the best natural hand. However, in some games, the ace is treated as the lowest card.

The first card dealt is the jack. The dealer has the last chance to shuffle the cards. After that, the remaining cards are handed out to players one by one. Each player must show their cards.

During the initial rounds of betting, each player is required to place an ante. This is usually a small bet. Depending on the poker game, the ante is determined by the table.

The next round of betting is called the turn. A turn is a hand where a player has to decide whether or not to make a bet.

In all poker types, there is at least one round of betting. Usually, the betting will take place clockwise.