Poker is a card game that involves a variety of rules. While the exact rules vary by variant, most games follow some basic principles.

Among the main rules are those regarding the position of players. Players must keep their cards above the edge of the table. Also, they are not allowed to cover their cards, or reveal what is on their folded hand, before the betting is complete.

The ante is the amount of money each player has to post before he or she can begin playing. This amount is used to pay the blinds and antes.

If one of the players is unable to make the required antes, he or she is automatically put in the seat. The player is then dealt a hand.

The dealer is the person responsible for dealing the cards. He or she is usually an employee of the casino.

One player is designated to act as the dealer, and the other players are the button and blinds. After the first round of betting, the dealer turns the community cards in tandem with the player to the left of the big blind.

If no one has a bet, the first player to the left of the big blind can call. That player can then raise, or fold.

Another important rule is that only one player can place a bet at a time. If there are two players in the same position, a house rule may require that they not play at the same table.