There are various theories as to the origins of the game of poker. Some claim that it originated in Persia and then traveled to Europe. However, the earliest version of poker is probably French, which is where the word poker comes from. This game developed alongside other European games, such as pochen and primero. Later, it was brought to the New World by French settlers. There, it was known as poque. This game eventually became the basis of the modern game of poker.

Players in a game of Poker can also establish a special fund called a kitty. This fund is built by dividing low denomination chips among the players equally. The kitty is used for various purposes, such as buying food or new decks of cards. The chips are then divided among players who remain in the game. However, players who leave the game before the end of the round do not get their share. However, there are several ways of calculating the expected value of a poker hand.

To begin the game, each player receives two cards face-down. These are called the player’s pocket or hole card. This process continues in a clockwise rotation of the players. After each round of dealing, a betting interval occurs, which allows the players to determine who has the highest-ranking poker combination. The first bettor must make a minimum bet in the first betting interval, and may check in later betting intervals.