Poker is a game in which the twin elements of chance and skill are both required to win. Over time the application of skill will virtually eliminate the variance of luck. In the short term however, the outcome of a hand still depends on both chance and bluffing. In addition, it is very important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents at the table.

The game starts with players placing forced bets, either an ante or blind bet (sometimes both). The dealer then shuffles and deals the cards. Each player then has the opportunity to check, call or raise the bet for their turn. When players show their hands, the player with the highest hand wins the pot.

During the hand, five community cards are introduced to all players and betting continues throughout the entire hand. Players use their two cards along with the community cards to make a winning 5-card poker hand.

A Straight contains five consecutive cards of the same suit. A Flush contains five cards of the same rank but not in sequence. A Full House is made up of three matching cards of one rank and two matching cards of another rank. A Pair is made up of two matching cards of the same rank and one unmatched card. Tied hands are decided by the ranking of the next card in the hand, for example a Jack beats a 6 and a 7 beats a 5. If there is no winner then all remaining players split the pot equally.