Poker is a card game in which players place bets during betting intervals. They try to minimize losses if they have a poor hand, and maximize their winnings if they have a good hand. Some games require that you put an ante in the pot before playing. In other games, this may not be necessary, but it can help you get into the game. If you’ve never played poker before, it’s worth reading up on the basics.

To play poker, there are many different options. You can check to stay in the game without betting, or you can raise your bet if you believe that you have a good hand. In some games, you can also fold if you’re not confident that your cards are good enough to win. This strategy is called “sandbagging,” and it is permitted unless the game rules prohibit it. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can begin playing poker.

A straight is a sequence of five cards in order, including the ace. A straight can be high or low, but it must be higher than a flush. In poker, a straight that matches two other cards splits the pot. In two-player games, the highest three-of-a-kind wins. High-card hands, which usually have the highest value, win. If you have two pairs, the higher-ranked hand wins.