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An Overview of Poker Basics

All the many poker variations have been based on the basic game described here. Learning these basics will serve players well as they later explore the many other types of poker.

The basic game of poker uses the 52-card standard deck of internationally known playing cards. It is played by four players but can accommodate up to ten players, any of whom can also act as the dealer. Poker cards are dealt to the left of the dealer. The pot holds all bets.

In any game of poker, players use the same universal description and ranking of poker hands. These are, from highest to lowest order, as follows:

1. straight flush, composed of five sequential cards of one suit, in which the Ace - when used - acts as either the lowest or highest card;

2. four of a kind, composed of four cards of one rank and one accompanying card;

3. full house, composed of three cards of one rank and another two cards of one rank;

4. flush, composed of any five cards of one suit;

5. straight, composed of five sequential cards of any suit mix;

6. three of a kind, composed of three cards of one rank and two accompanying cards;

7. two pair, composed of two sets of two cards with one rank and an accompanying card;

8. one pair, composed of two cards of one rank and three accompanying cards; and

9. high card or the card with the supreme value in a jumbled hand.

Among hands of the same category, higher rank is accorded to the one containing the highest card in the main combination.

Poker players use the hand rankings as the basis of deciding on their bets. They assess the strength of the hand they are holding against their perception of their opponents' hidden hands.

Players then take their turn in the game and choose to call, raise or fold. Players call a bet when they bet an amount equal to the previous bet. Players raise the stakes when they bet an amount higher than the previous bet. They fold, however, when they refuse to bet and instead leave the game. All their previous bets are forfeited.

When all the players have taken a turn, the round ends with a show of hands. That is, if two or more players still remain in the game. The showdown determines the highest hand and the winner. The show of hands is not called, however, if only one player has not folded. That player is already a winner.

Learn these poker basics well to ground yourself in the game.

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