Traditionally, we used to play card games using physical cards, but as time has passed, the way we play games has changed dramatically. Poker, for example, is now available right at your fingertips. Poker is a group of card games in which players bet on which hand is the best based on the game’s rules in ways that are similar to these rankings. Although the deck composition, number of cards in play, and whether the cards are dealt face up or face down differ, all poker games contain rules that include one or more betting rounds.

The initial round of betting in most modern poker games begins with one or more players placing a forced bet (the blind or ante). In a conventional poker game, each player bets according to the perceived value of their hand in contrast to the other players. The action then goes clockwise, with each player having to either match (or “call”) the previous stake’s maximum value, or fold, forfeiting both the amount bet and any future participation in the hand.

Here’s your chance to learn how to play poker if you’re new to the game.

• The hands will always be the same, no matter what sort of poker you play. Print out a “cheat sheet” and study it to get a better understanding of the different hands. Then, learn the various hands so you can recognise them quickly.
• At the start of a game of poker, bets are put in one of two ways. In Texas holdem poker, the player on the dealer’s left normally places a tiny blind bet equal to half the minimum bet, whereas the player to the dealer’s right usually places a massive blind bet equal to the minimum bet. Another option is for each participant to “ante up,” or put money into the pool, the minimum beginning stake.
• The first card in the deck will be “burned,” which means it will be removed from play. Then they’ll give each player two cards. Examine your cards to see what you’ve got.
• You’ll place a wager every time the dealer deals new cards, with the first bet based only on the two cards the players have in their hands. Betting is done in a circle, so you have a few options when it’s your turn to gamble.
• The dealer will “burn” the top card of the deck after the first round of betting. Then they’ll lay out three cards face-up on the table, known as the “flop.” These are the communal cards that can be used to form a hand by any player. Compare these cards to the ones you have in your hand, then decide whether to wager, call a bet, or fold.

Poker has grown in popularity since the turn of the century, evolving from a primarily recreational activity enjoyed by a small group of enthusiasts to a widely popular activity enjoyed by both participants and spectators, with many professional players and multimillion-dollar tournament prizes, including poker app.