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How to Play Poker

Poker is a card game in which players try to make the best five-card hand from the cards they are dealt. There are many different forms of the game, but most involve betting and a minimum of six players. The object of the game is to win the pot, which can be done by having the highest-ranking poker hand or by making a bet that no one else calls.

Ideally, you should only play with friends that you can trust to be honest. This will help you develop better instincts and not feel the need to bluff. If you don’t have any friends to play with, watch other people play to learn how their instincts work. This will help you develop faster, better instincts.

Before the first betting round, shuffle and cut the deck. Deal each player one card. The person with the highest card starts on the button. If two or more players have the same high card, use the suits to break the tie (spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs in that order).

After the initial betting phase is over, players take turns revealing their hands. The player with the highest poker hand wins the pot. Ties are broken by using the highest unmatched cards or second-highest pairs. If no player has a poker hand, the pot is divided evenly.