Poker is a game in which players use cards to create the best hand. It is a popular gambling game that is played worldwide.

The basic structure of poker is a series of betting rounds that end in a showdown, where the winner is determined by the highest hand. The rules and strategy of poker vary widely between different variants, but the main aim is to win a pot by holding the best possible hand.

First, each player is required to make a forced bet, usually called an ante or blind. These are often small amounts of money and are based on the amount of the pot.

When a dealer deals the first set of cards, they are hidden from all other players and must be seen only by the players who will bet. The cards are dealt one at a time, beginning with the player on the left.

After the flop, everyone has the chance to bet/check/raise or fold their hand. The next card dealt is called the turn and again everyone has a chance to bet/check/raise.

Finally, the dealer puts a fifth card on the table for anyone to use. The last round of betting is called the river and for the final time everyone gets a chance to bet/check/raise.