Poker is a family of card games that includes many variants. These vary in size, number of players, and deck configuration. The earliest known form of the game dates back to the 1800s. Some of the more modern variations are community card poker and split-pot poker.
The term “pot” refers to the aggregate of all the bets made by all the players during one deal. Players may win the pot by making the most bet, or by winning the pot based on the best hand.
In most games, each player is dealt a set of cards face down. These cards may be face up or shuffled.
A player who wishes to remain in the game may fold, or decline to make a bet. Unless the rules state otherwise, a player who raises a bet is said to have “sandbagged” the bet.
Another variation of the game is called the Three-Card Monte. This version has three cards instead of the standard set.
Although poker may be played with any number of players, an ideal game consists of six to eight. Most games involve two or more rounds of betting.
The most basic of these rounds involves betting on the best hand. This is usually referred to as the “showdown” or “show.” When a player is all in, the other players can only see part of his or her hand.
The “best” hand is the best five card hand. It is possible to beat a counterfeited hand. Likewise, a counterfeit card is a good deed to do, but not as good as hitting your nut.