Official Poker Rules and Etiquette

Using official poker rules and etiquette ensures that everyone has a fair, enjoyable game.

The first step in playing any poker game is putting “ante” in the middle of the table (the amount varies depending on the type of poker you are playing, but our games are typically a nickel). Once everyone has anteed, the cards are dealt clockwise around the table.

After each dealing/betting round, players are given the opportunity to check, bet, call, or raise. After all betting has been completed, a showdown is held to determine a winning hand.

During the showdown, players expose their holdings and the winning hand is determined according to the poker hand rankings. The highest hand wins the pot.

In some poker games, players may add one or two jokers as wild cards. This is not an official part of the rules, but many poker players use these to improve their hands.

Poker is a family of comparing card games that are played worldwide. The rules of each individual game vary, but all involve one or more rounds of betting.

The standard 52-card pack, with one or two jokers, is used in most games. In some clubs and among the best players, two packs of contrasting colors are used to speed up play.

The game has an important bluffing element and can be very psychological. This is why a player should always be aware of his or her actions and not try to hide their hand or count chips.