Several types of Poker are played, including Draw Poker and Stud Poker. The main difference between the two is how cards are dealt. All cards in Draw Poker are dealt face down, while some cards in Stud Poker are dealt face up as betting progresses.

The aim of poker is to make the best hand possible. The highest hand wins the pot. However, the best combination of cards doesn’t always win the pot.

Each player is dealt two cards, and they must then decide whether to fold, check or bet. If they do not choose to fold, they must drop their hand. This may mean they no longer compete for the pot.

If they do choose to bet, they must raise the amount of money they are willing to put into the pot. They can do this by calling or raising the previous bet. The player who calls is called a “caller”.

When the first player bets, the next player is then required to match the bet. The player who does not call is called a “checker”. The player who checks is said to stay in, and he can still compete for the pot.

A bet that no other player calls is said to be a showdown. The players who are left in the game have the choice to bet again, or to remain in the pot without betting.

The betting interval begins with the player who bets and ends when the last player calls. When the betting interval ends, the dealer cuts the deck and deals the cards to the players.