There are many ways to play poker. Several common variations include five-card draw and seven-card stud. In each version, players begin by placing an ante into the pot. After a round of betting, each player can reveal their cards. After that, the players can discard up to three cards and take new ones from the top of the deck. If more than one player remains, the remaining players must show their hands and determine who will win.
Some variations are more interesting than others. Some of these games are not so much games as they are competitions. Three-Card Monte and “Spit-in-the-Ocean” are two examples. For more than ten players, two separate games may be organized. These games are described later in this chapter. Nevertheless, they are all variations of the same game. Poker is considered an enjoyable game for both players and spectators. Here are some of the most popular variations.
In all versions, players compete against each other using their cards. Depending on the rules, the winner is decided by the highest ranking hand. Poker games vary in their deck configuration, the number of shared cards, and betting procedures. Some games may even include jokers. Wild cards may be included in the deck, but they are not mandatory. However, they do vary in the amount of betting and the number of cards shared by all players. Regardless of the variation, all poker games have at least one round of betting.
