A classic game of poker begins when a dealer reveals five cards to the table. This is called the “flop.” The objective of this stage of the game is to create the best possible hand. Each player is dealt two personal cards and five community cards. Players analyze the other players’ cards and the “flop” to determine how they can best use their cards to their advantage. They may also draw replacement cards during or after a betting round.

After all players have placed their bets, the last player to act is called the “caller.” When a player calls, he or she is making a wager equal to the last bet or raise. For example, if a person to your right bet $10, you would say “call.” In turn, the person to your right would place $10 in cash or chips into the pot. In addition to calling, players can fold their cards at any point in the game. If they do, they can often return to the table and watch the game.

Poker is played with any number of players, although the ideal number is six to eight. A player wins the pot if he has the best hand. A person may also win the pot if he makes a bet that no other player calls.