Poker is a game of skill. While there is an element of chance in most hands, the role of chance is reduced with increasing numbers of hands dealt. The game involves ranges and balancing bluffs. However, to maximize your chances of winning, you must be able to analyze the opponents and their cards.

For example, the best hand is a straight flush, which consists of five cards of the same suit. A straight flush may consist of an ace high or a low ace, but cannot wrap around two or three of a kind. It is also possible to have a straight flush with an ace high, which is known as a Royal Flush.

Top pairs in poker are the highest two-card pairs. The highest pair is the one with an ace on the hole and a seven on the flop. An overpair is any pair that is greater than seven. When a pair has four of a kind, it is a strong hand. However, the odds are against the player holding top pairs.

Poker chips are often used in games, and the players should be prepared to use them when needed. These chips come in various values and colors. A white chip is usually worth the least, while a red chip is worth two, four or five reds. If there are seven or more players, a dealer must be present to distribute the chips.