Poker is a game in which players compete for chips. The game begins with a player making a forced bet. This bet is called the ante or blind bet. Depending on the type of poker, players will either have to match or fold when another player raises their bet. The game is played using a variety of poker chips, which can be white, red, blue, or green. Before each hand is played, a dealer will assign the values of these chips. The dealer then exchanges players’ cash for chips.
Players place their chips into the pot during betting intervals. In each betting interval, one player has the responsibility and privilege of placing a bet. Each player must then place a number of chips into the pot equal to the number of chips contributed by the player before him. This player is known as an active player. During betting intervals, players may only place chips into the pot if they have a hand that has a good chance of winning.
When more than one player remains, the game will come to a showdown. In this phase, players will reveal their hidden cards and evaluate their hands. The player with the best hand will win the pot. Generally, a strong hand consists of four of a kind or higher, while a weak hand includes any five cards.