Whether you’re just learning about poker, or you’re a seasoned pro, there are some basic rules to follow. It’s a game of chance and skill, and there are many different ways to play. The goal is to make the best possible hand.

Each player is dealt five cards. These may be face up or face down, depending on the game. The player with the highest card wins the pot. There are also side pots where two or more players can win.

In the middle of the table is a central pot. It contains all the bets made by all players during the deal. The pot can be won by the best hand, or by making a bet that no one else calls.

Each round of betting begins with an ante. This is usually a small bet, usually $1 or $5, and is intended to get the betting round started. The ante is worth the same amount to each player, even if they don’t win.

The first player to place a bet is called the “active” player. Generally, the right to deal the poker hand rotates among the players. If the active player has a pair of jacks, then the player who received the jack is the dealer.

Poker is a gambling game played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The cards are ranked from Ace to ten. The highest hand is a king, and the lowest is a seven, five, four, and three.