Poker is an American card game. This game has become one of the most played worldwide due to its simple mechanics. It prominently involves mental skills but does not involve complicated calculations. Explore Poker Games and Rules with 188jili.
Poker Deck
Objective of the Game
To form a hand of higher value than that of the opponents. It is not necessary to have the best hand; it is enough if the opponents believe it is better, making them fold before seeing the cards.
Deck of Cards
It is played with a 52-card English deck. Usually, two decks with different colored backs are used so that while one is in play, the other is shuffled next to the player who has to deal next. Players will decide beforehand whether to use one or two jokers, although it is most recommended to play without any joker. The joker can substitute or represent any other card.
Number of Players
Two to seven players can play, although the most interesting games are those with five or six players. Each player plays for themselves, without partners.
Order and Value of the Cards
The order, from highest to lowest, is as follows: ace, king (K), queen (Q), jack (J), ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, and two. The suits have equal value in any hand.
Dealing the Cards
Cards are shuffled and dealt face-up to each player, one by one, from left to right, and the player who gets the first jack (J) deals first. They are obliged to offer the deck to the player on their left to cut, who may cut if they wish, leaving at least five cards. Then, the dealer deals five cards to each player, one by one, in the indicated direction. The turn to deal in each new game passes to the player on the right.
Poker Hands
Each player, with their five cards, can form the hands described below, in descending order of value:
FIVE OF A KIND
When playing with a joker, this is the highest hand and consists of having five cards of the same rank, one of which must be the joker. If playing with two jokers, the highest five of a kind wins, and there can be no tie.
STRAIGHT FLUSH
When playing without a joker, this is the highest hand and consists of having five cards of the same suit in consecutive order. It is called a Royal Flush if it consists of the five highest consecutive cards of the same suit. The ace can link with the king or the lowest card of the deck, forming the Lowest Straight Flush. The highest straight wins. If there is a tie, the winnings are split.
FOUR OF A KIND
Having four cards of the same rank. The highest four of a kind wins. There can be no tie.
FULL HOUSE
A combination of three cards of the same rank with two other cards of the same rank. The highest three of a kind wins. There can be no tie.
FLUSH
Having five cards of the same suit that are not in consecutive order. The highest card wins. If there is a tie, the next highest card determines the winner, and so on. If all the cards of both players are of equal value, it is a tie, and the winnings are split.
STRAIGHT
When five cards are in consecutive order but not all of the same suit. The ace can link with the king or the lowest card of the deck. The highest straight wins. If there is a tie, the winnings are split.
THREE OF A KIND
Having three cards of the same rank and the other two cards not forming a pair. The highest three of a kind wins. There can be no tie.
TWO PAIR
When holding two pairs of cards of different ranks. The highest pair wins, and in case of a tie, the second highest pair wins. If both pairs are of equal value, the highest single card wins. There can be a final tie, splitting the winnings.
ONE PAIR
Two cards of the same rank and any other three unlinked cards. The highest pair wins. In case of a tie, the highest value among the three single cards wins. There can be a final tie, splitting the winnings.
HIGH CARD
If a hand does not contain any of the above combinations, the highest card wins. There can be a tie, splitting the winnings.
Note:
When playing with a joker, if two players have the same hand with cards of equal value and one has used the joker, the player with the natural hand (without the joker) wins.
