Poker is a game that is played with cards. The goal of the game is to make the best possible hand. Players bet on their hands and make decisions about whether to fold, call, or raise.

In most variants of poker, the player with the highest combination wins. However, it is possible for two different players to win the main pot. This occurs with a “split pot” variant.

Before the game starts, each player is given two cards. Depending on the game, these cards can be face up or face down.

After the first round of dealing, each player has four cards. These are known as the hole cards.

During the final betting round, each player will bet or fold. When a player folds, it means he or she will not continue to compete in the round.

If a player folds, he or she forfeits the rights to the original pot. Afterwards, the player who was last in the side pot collects the pot.

Ties are broken by a high card. If there are no pairs, the highest unmatched card breaks the tie. Similarly, if there are no ties, the second pair wins.

There are hundreds of variations of poker. The most popular variation is Texas Hold’Em. It was introduced during the American Civil War.

Another common variant is Omaha. Three-card brag is a variant of poker that was popular during the American Revolution. Today, it is still a popular form of poker in the U.K.