Poker is a card game where players compete against each other to make the best hand possible. The highest five-card hand wins the pot. However, if more than one person has a five-card hand, the higher card wins the hand. However, a low hand can win the pot if it beats a high one.

The first step in learning to play poker is learning the rules. The basic game rules include how to deal and the standard buy-ins. The dealer position (also called the “button”) is a favourable one, since this position allows the player to be the last to make decisions. However, there is an exception to this rule, which occurs during the first betting round.

Poker is played using a standard pack of 52 cards. Some variations may use more than one pack, and some may include jokers to add variety. The cards are ranked from Ace high to Ace low. The player with the best hand wins the pot. The betting round proceeds in a clockwise fashion until all the players have called or folded.

During this first betting round, the first active player to the left of the dealer button starts the betting action. This player is known as the small blind from the opening round. The player can either check his hand or raise it based on its strength. After that, the action moves on to the next active player to the left.