Official poker is a gambling game that uses cards to decide the winner of the pot. It has been played around the world for centuries and is believed to have roots that go back nearly 1,000 years.
Players sit at a table and take turns to act as dealers. The first dealer deals the cards to all of the players in the hand.
After the deal, each player gets two face-down cards and has the option to bet, call, or fold. Once all betting has been completed, the player with the best combination of five cards wins the pot.
Typically, a standard 52-card pack is used for official poker games. However, many clubs and players at higher stakes use two packs of contrasting color to speed up the game.
In addition to a standard deck of cards, the game also involves two forced bets called the small blind and the big blind. The small blind is a mandatory $1 bet, while the big blind is a $2 bet.
These rules are in place to prevent ego battles and unnecessary discussion at the table. They are also in place to help keep the game fair and ensure that all of the players have a chance to win.
If a player notices an infraction, it is important for them to speak up. They should do this by mentioning the infraction to their dealer or calling over the floor (usually a poker room manager).