Poker is a game of chance and strategy. When combined with betting and psychology, poker becomes a game of skill. The purpose of this primer is to teach you the basics of the game. You can learn more by reading books or playing with a group of experienced players. It’s better to learn poker from an experienced player than by reading a book.

Poker is played with seven cards. The first two cards are face down, and the third and fourth are face up. After three betting phases, players reveal their cards one by one. The best poker hand wins the pot. In seven-card stud, the best hand is a five-card pair. In other variations, the best hand beats the opponent’s hand.

In five-card poker, two players can hold two distinct pairs. The highest pair wins, and the second pair wins if both players have pairs. In ties, the high card is used to break the tie. Unless someone has a pair, or both high cards are of the same type, the high card breaks the tie.

While playing poker, it is important to respect your opponent and the dealer. You shouldn’t argue or point out a player’s mistakes – it will only make you look less knowledgeable. It will also make the game less fun for the others.