How to Play Poker
Poker is a card game in which players wager money or chips that their hand will be the best. The player with the best hand wins. If you are not sure how to play, a friendly dealer can usually help you. They will explain the rules and show you sample hands. Then you can practice with fake chips until you feel confident. Many casinos offer poker classes and even online courses. Some are free, others are paid.
In most games players use poker chips, which are usually of a different color and have values assigned to them. The dealer exchanges cash with the players for the chips. The dealer is also in charge of shuffling the cards and taking bets. He or she passes this role to the player to his left after each hand.
During the first betting round of a hand each player can choose to call the bet made by the player to his or her left or raise it. Raising requires the player to put into the pot at least as many chips as any previous bet. Players can also “drop,” which means they will not bet and forfeit any chips that are in their possession.
In some games players may establish a pool of chips called the kitty. These are used to pay for things like new decks of cards and food and drinks. Any chips left in the kitty when the game ends are shared among the players.