Poker is a card game where you try to make the best hand possible by combining your cards with the cards of your opponents. You win the pot if you have the highest hand. But there is more to it than simply having the best hand.

To play poker, you’ll need a standard pack of 52 cards. The most common type is a standard deck of playing cards, but some games add jokers.

Each player gets a set of cards that are shuffled by the dealer. These are usually ranked from Ace to ace. Cards may be arranged face up, or face down.

Often, a poker variant will also give players special wild cards that can take any suit. Some variations even award the pot to the lowest hand.

For the most part, it’s up to the players to decide what they are willing to put up. In some limit games, you can only bet a certain amount of chips at a time. So, the pot might not be big enough for the biggest bet.

It’s a good idea to know the basics of poker before getting into a game. Several books on the subject can explain how to play the game. Aside from this, a player should also have a basic knowledge of poker laws. There are some rules that are universally accepted, and others that are more specific to your region. If you play online, you’ll find that some of the customs will differ from those of your peers.