In poker, players try to form the best hand possible from a series of cards that are dealt to each player. The highest hand wins.
The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The dealer deals the cards to each player, one at a time, starting with the player on the left.
Generally, a poker table is set up with a central pot (a sum of money that is collected and accumulated each round) to which all bets are added. After each round, the players may call (match), raise, or fold their hands, thereby changing the size of the pot.
When a player folds, it means that they are unable to make a further bet; thus, they are out of the hand. In some games, a player who folds has to give up their chips to the person who did not raise.
Some games have a special “kitty” fund to which all players contribute a low-denomination chip at the start of a hand. This kitty is used to pay for new cards or other expenses, such as food and drinks.
If you need to use the restroom, have a drink, or take a break from the game, it is polite to sit out a hand and then return when you are ready. However, it is not a good idea to miss more than a few hands; this can cause the game to become unfair for other players.