Whether you’re an old hand at poker or just starting out, it’s important to be aware of the basic rules. This way, you can understand what’s going on and you won’t get caught off guard.

A poker hand is made up of five cards. The highest ranking hand wins the pot. Two pairs are a pair of cards that share the same suit, such as a pair of aces. A straight flush is five consecutive cards of the same suit. A joker counts as a fifth card in certain special hands.

There are many variations of poker, but there are some basic rules that apply to all of them. The first player to make a bet is said to make the “big bet.” In some games, this bet is the equivalent of a blind, which is a forced bet. In other games, players are given a number of chips that equals the total amount of money that the player before them contributed. These chips are used to boost the pot before the flop, especially in tournaments.

When a player makes a bet, the other players must match it. This is called a “call.” A player may also fold. In some games, a player who folds will no longer compete in the pot, but will just discard his or her hand.

The poker-playing community has many resources, from hand database programs to statistics on individual players. It also hosts international gaming conferences and charity events. It’s worth checking out their website to learn more about the game. The site is also translated into many languages.

One of the most common poker games is Texas Hold’em. While it is the most popular, there are dozens of variations to keep you entertained. The poker-playing community has also introduced “button” antes, which are similar to the traditional blind. These antes are often used in tournaments to boost the pot pre-flop, and they replace the traditional ante.

The best hand in poker is one made up of a pair of aces, two queens, and two kings. It’s also a good idea to try out the Omaha poker variant. It is a lot like Texas Hold’em, but there are a few differences. For instance, there are more betting intervals, which can be a good thing for players looking for more action. Also, Omaha is often played on a computer, rather than in a physical poker room.

A “showdown” occurs after the last betting interval. This is the point at which the highest ranking hand wins the pot. During this point, the cards are dealt face-up in a rotation to the left. Each active player shows off their full hand, and the player with the highest card is said to win.

There are several variations of the poker-playing community, including Omaha, Hold’em, and Stud. The rules of each game differ a little from the others, but most share the same features. There are also special cards, such as the ace-queen high, which is a combination of an ace and a queen.