Whether you’re playing a game of poker, or just watching it, there are a few key points to know. The first is to not complain about a bad beat. It’s really unnecessary and makes everyone feel uncomfortable. And don’t try to tell your friends what to do. It’s against poker rules.

You may have seen the phrase “slow rolling”. This is when a player refuses to reveal his hand, letting another player take the lead. It’s also a way to make it look like you’re stealing the pot.

The first round of betting begins with the player to the left of the button. The dealer then cuts the deck and deals out cards to each player in turn. This is usually done clockwise.

After the first round of betting, players can either fold or raise. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.

Once all but one player has folded, the action is at a showdown. When it’s time to show, players must reveal their cards. If you have a full house, for example, it’s difficult to win a showdown against a straight flush.

Ties are broken when a high card breaks them. For example, a player who has a pair of kings wins a tie if there are two other players with a pair. A high card also breaks ties when a number of people have the same hand.

It’s also important to keep in mind that poker is a game of chance. It’s a gambling game, but it can be fun.