Poker is a family of card games that are played worldwide. There are many different versions of the game, all with their own rules. However, they all have one thing in common: players compete for a prize pool (or pot) that is contributed by each player.

Players begin a poker game with an initial bet, called the “ante.” The amount of this bet may vary depending on the game and is usually a fixed amount. Once all cards are dealt, betting starts clockwise, with each player having the option to fold, call, or raise their bet.

Official poker requires adherence to specific rules, which can help to keep the poker game fair for everyone. Among the most important are:

A player must verbally state their intended action, such as a bet, raise, or fold. If a player does not verbally state their intention, they are considered to be checking.

There is also a rule that states that players must wait until a dealer button has been activated to reveal their hand. This rule is designed to discourage mucking hands, a form of cheating whereby the player miscalls their hand and other players muck their hand while they are still in the game.

It is also a good idea to check your stack before you make a bet, as this can help avoid any miscounts on the table. It is also a good idea to be respectful of other players’ stack sizes and not make it obvious that you are trying to teach them how to play the game.