There are several different games of Poker, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Three-Card Monte, and Spit in the Ocean. All of these variations are explained later in this chapter. To learn about the game of Poker, start with one of these variations. However, before you decide on which game to play, try to become familiar with others. This will help you develop your own strategy. And don’t forget that experimenting with various games will increase your chances of winning!

Each round of the game consists of several betting rounds, during which time different poker hands are developed. The total bet amount of the previous round is known as the “pot”. The winning player in each round takes all of the pot. In case of a draw, the pot is divided amongst all players. Many poker games require players to make an ante bet before each round. This will prevent the game from lasting too long, and ensure that each player is at least somewhat invested in the outcome of each round.

During the first round of betting, each player is dealt one card face-up. During the second and third betting phases, the player with the best cards is dealt a card. During the third round, another betting phase begins. After the third round, the player with the best cards on his or her face-up cards wins the round. After the fourth round, players reveal their hands clockwise around the table. It is the player with the best hand who wins the pot.