Poker is a card game that requires a certain amount of luck and psychology. But, it is also a game that can be won by using a high level of technical skill. To achieve this, you must know the optimal frequencies and hand ranges to use.

Poker games may involve any number of players from 2 to 14, but most are played with 6. The object of the game is to win the “pot,” which is the sum of all bets placed in one deal. This can be done by having the highest-ranking poker hand or by making a bet that no other player calls.

To begin a hand, each player places an amount of money into the pot, called the ante. Then, the cards are dealt to each player. Once the cards are dealt, the betting begins. In most games, a player must place in the pot at least as many chips as the player to his right before raising. This is known as “calling.”

The best poker hands are made up of four of a kind or higher. A royal flush is a hand consisting of a 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace of the same suit (clubs, diamonds, hearts or spades). If two hands have four of a kind, the hand with the highest rank wins (Five kings beats five queens). Ties are broken using rules for High Card.