Poker is a card game played with two or more players. The number of players varies, but the optimal number is six to eight. The player who has the best poker hand wins the pot. If the player does not have the best poker hand, the pot is shared among all other players. Players may also win the pot if they make a bet no one else calls.

To begin a game, a player must have a minimum hand. Sometimes, this is a pair of jacks. This hand is needed to make the first bet before drawing. A player may also bet with a hand without making a minimum bet. Alternatively, a player may place a bet with a hand with a lower rank than his or her own.

There are two betting rounds in stud poker. The opener places the ante in the pot. The other players can then choose to check, open for a minimum, or raise their bet. The next round of betting is held after the opening round. If the opener folds, the action moves to the next player in the round. The betting limit in the second round is double the bet limit of the opening round.

If there are more than two players, the showdown is held. During this betting phase, players reveal their cards. The player with the best hand wins the pot.