Poker is a card game in which players bet against each other to try to win money. It is one of the most popular gambling games worldwide and has a long history, dating back centuries.
Term: Ante
Before each hand is dealt, one or more players may be required to contribute an initial amount of money into the pot. This is called an ante and is typically equal to the player’s share of the pot.
Blinds
Once the antes are placed, each player is dealt three cards. They may be dealt face up or face down, depending on the variant of poker being played.
Betting Rounds
After each hand is dealt, a betting round takes place where all players bet in some way. Often, players can “check,” which means they will remain in the hand without making another bet; however, this is only possible if no other player has made a bet during that betting interval.
Raise
A raise is a bet that is more than the previous bettor’s bet. The next player to bet must match the original bet, or else call it.
Fold
A player who has been betting may also choose to fold his hand if he no longer thinks it is strong enough to compete with other hands. In such a case, he puts his cards face down on the table and loses what has been bet.
Showdown
After all players have bet, if there is still more than one player in the pot, the hands are revealed and a showdown takes place. The winner is the player with the best hand.