Poker is a game with an enormous number of rules, strategies and psychological nuances. It’s a game that requires reading and understanding the opponents in order to maximize one’s chances of winning. Its inherent unpredictability provides writers with a rich mosaic of metaphors that can add intrigue and suspense to any story.

A standard pack of 52 cards is used (although some variant games use multiple packs or add extra cards called Jokers). There are four suits, spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs; no suit is higher than any other. Each hand must contain five cards and the highest hand wins. Some hands are made of a straight or flush, while others include a three of a kind or two pairs. The player to the left of the dealer starts a round of betting by placing 2 mandatory bets called Blinds in the pot before the first card is dealt.

When all players have their hole cards, there is a second round of betting that takes place after each player reveals their hand. A player may call a bet of the amount of money he has already staked, raise it or fold. In the case of a showdown, whoever has the highest hand wins the pot.

When hands tie on the rank of a pair, three of a kind, or four of a kind, the high card outside breaks the tie. The same rule applies when hands tie on the rank of a Flush.