Poker is a card game. It is played with five cards and requires two distinct pairs. The highest pair wins. However, ties can also occur. If there are more than two players with the same pair, the high card is the one that breaks the tie. This card is also used to divide the pot between the players.

The highest hand in a game of poker wins the pot. Players begin by anteing, usually a fixed amount, into the pot in the center. Each player then bets into the pot. The winner is the player with the best five-card hand. This process is repeated clockwise until all players call or fold.

Usually, there are eight to nine players in a game of poker. The game requires players to read each other, determine the odds, and keep a cool demeanor. The goal is to win the chips of your opponents in order to win the game. However, some games only allow for four or five players.

Each betting interval begins with a minimum bet of two chips or higher. Then, each player to the left must “call” or “raise” the bet, or discard his hand. Alternatively, a player may “drop” a bet. In the case of a drop, the player loses any chips that are in the pot.