Typical poker games have two or more betting intervals. The first betting interval begins with the ante, a small bet. This is usually one or two dollars.
The first betting interval ends when each player has the same number of chips as before. The next betting interval begins when the player with the best hand reveals his cards. Then the hand is sorted out and the winner is awarded the pot.
Some variants of poker will award the pot to the player with the lowest hand. In some games, the lowest hand is the ace. In other games, the lowest hand is the pair of aces.
There are a number of poker variations, all of which are described in more detail later in this chapter. Aside from the most common forms, poker may be played in the form of a bluffing game, a rake-based game, a game of chance or a game of skill.
The kitty is a special fund set aside by all players. Players use the kitty to pay for a new deck of cards. The kitty is also used to tip the dealer at the end of the game.
Poker is fun. To make it more fun, make sure you are playing by the rules. Also, try to keep your hand to yourself. You don’t want to bet too much of your hard-earned money on the hand that is not in play.
The best poker games usually require at least six players. The ideal number is seven or eight. If you are playing with a larger group, consider splitting the game into two separate ones.