The game of Poker is played with any number of players, but the optimal number is six or eight. When all players make a bet in a single hand, the winnings are gathered in a central pot known as the pot. A player can win the pot if he or she has the highest-ranking poker hand, or if another player calls his or her bet and ties it. Alternatively, a player can win the pot by making the highest bet and no other players call.
The game is played on a circular or oval table. To begin, the initial dealer is chosen from the deck. Typically, the highest card is chosen as the dealer. A repeat deal will break a tie. Once each player has dealt cards, the initial dealer shuffles and cuts the deck. The game progresses from there. If one player has more cards than another, two separate games can be organized. Poker has been played for centuries.
Most forms of Poker are played with poker chips. A game requiring seven or more players should have poker chips provided. In addition to the standard playing cards, players are provided with poker chips. The lowest chip is a white chip. A high-ranking hand in poker is a straight, and the lowest is a flush. Poker chips are usually round, and range in value from cheap to expensive. A dealer chip is called the “blind” and indicates who is currently dealing the cards.