A four of a kind is when a player has four cards of the same rank. The fifth card may be anything other than a pair. High hands have a higher card than low hands. If two players have four of a kind, the pot shall be split as evenly as possible. If neither player has a pair, the higher card in the pair breaks the tie. When determining high hands, all the cards are considered. The highest hand wins.

There are several rules that govern the game of poker. The basic rules are the same for all variations. Before each round, players must place an “ante”, or a small bet, into the center pot. The player with the highest hand is declared the winner and is awarded the pot. The betting process will continue in this fashion until the last player calls or folds. Here are the basic steps to play poker:

The basic requirements for playing poker include a large round table, chairs, and cards. Most games have a maximum of eight or nine players. Players must be able to read their opponents, be observant of other players’ bets, and maintain a cool demeanor when bluffing. Poker is a fast-paced game, and stamina and focus are necessary for success. Poker tournaments can last for hours or even days!