Poker is a card game played by two or more players. Each player starts with two cards, and then the dealer shuffles and deals the cards to the players. Depending on the rules of the game, the dealer can be a player or a non-player. The dealer role is usually rotated among players. The dealer is identified by a dealer chip, which is passed to the next player after each round. Depending on who is designated as dealer, the betting rules vary.
The game of poker has a history that goes back as far as the 17th century in Europe. However, some sources believe that poker originated in Persia. In Europe, the earliest version of the game was probably a French game called poque, from which we get the word poker. The game evolved alongside other European games such as pochen and primero, and was eventually brought to the New World by French settlers.
The hand that has the highest total value wins the hand. However, if more than one player has a five-of-a-kind hand, the higher card wins. A game of poker usually involves four or five players. Depending on the rules of the game, players can place bets on their hands.
The rules of poker vary by casino, but the basic principles remain the same. In most games, the first player must place an ante, or blind, before the dealer deals cards. Players take turns making blind bets.