In poker, individuals compete for an amount of cash or chips contributed by the players themselves, known as the pot. The rules of each game differ slightly, but the goal is generally the same: to assemble the best poker hand and win.

A standard deck of cards is used for most poker games, although some players prefer to use a stripped pack that excludes all the deuces (twos) and treys. Some poker games also use colored chips to designate the different values, which help security systems better monitor the action at a table. White poker chips are the lowest denomination, followed by red, blue, black, and green.

At the beginning of the game, players must deposit a small amount of money into the pot, referred to as the ante. One player, designated by the rules of the particular poker variant being played, acts as dealer. The dealer then deals each player two cards, face down. These are known as the hole cards. Players then take turns betting.

If no player raises, betting continues until all players have raised at least once and the pot is called. At this point, players may either call or fold. If a player calls, they must make the best poker hand that they can with their remaining five cards and the community cards. If they fold, they forfeit their right to any portion of the pot that they may have won. Some games require the players to contribute to a common fund, known as a kitty, which is used to pay for additional decks of cards and food and drinks. The kitty is divided equally among the players who remain in the game when it ends.