Probably the most popular of all card games, poker is a game of chance. It is played in both private homes and casinos. Despite its popularity, its origins are not known. Several theories have been proposed. One suggests that it was taught to French settlers in New Orleans by Persian sailors. Others suggest that its origins are related to primero, a Spanish card game from the Renaissance period.
The game is usually played with a minimum of six or eight players. The goal is to be at the top of the chip leader-board. In tournaments, the players who finish at the top earn prizes.
The structure of the game allows players to bet their entire stack of chips. Betting limits are set for each round of betting. Raise limits are also set, limiting raises to a certain amount.
The poker table is laid out with a center area for placing chips. The betting intervals, which are separate from the dealing, are held after each round of deal.
The first betting interval begins when the button is passed clockwise. The player who is left of the button must post a small blind. The player to the immediate right of the button shuffles the deck. The cards are then distributed to all the active players.
The betting interval ends when the last player bets. The next player to act must then match the previous bet. The player who matches the previous bet is said to call. The player who does not match the previous bet is said to fold.