Poker is a card game with a long and rich history. Its origins are shrouded in rumor, but one thing is certain – it is a fast-paced game of betting wherein players try to maximise profit by either raising or folding. It is a game that encourages risk-taking and it is often said that poker is a mirror of life. In both, you can only get ahead by taking risks, but it is important to weigh up those risks carefully.
There are many variations of Poker, but cash games are the most popular. In this type of game, each player has a set number of chips and betting occurs in a clockwise manner around the table. Players can also choose to check (pass on betting) if they do not wish to participate.
After the first round of betting, a third card is dealt face up. This is called the flop. Another round of betting then takes place.
The highest ranking hands are the Royal Flush, Straight Flush and Four of a Kind. The other high hands are Three of a Kind, Two Pair and a High Card.
In the case of a tie, the player with the higher hand wins. If both players have the same hand then the prize, if any, is shared equally. If there is no high hand, then the lowest rank is a High Card.