Whether you play poker in a formal setting or on the Internet, chances are you’re aware of the “kitty”. This is a special fund that is divvied up amongst the players who are still in the game. The funds are used to pay for new decks of cards.

Poker variants share many of the same essential features. In fact, there are hundreds of variants to choose from. For instance, you might play in a multi-handed game with a group of five or six people, or you might play in a lowball or split-pot poker game with eight or nine players. No matter the number of players, you will be required to follow the same basic rules and practices.

A pot is the aggregate of all bets made by all players in one deal. To win the pot, you must make a bet that no other player calls.

A hole card is a card in your hand that is not part of the community cards. It’s also the most impressive card in poker. You can make a five of a kind, two pairs or a straight using your hole card.

You can also make a backdoor flush by hitting your cards on the turn and river. The best straight is an 8-9, but you don’t have to worry too much about that.

The best hand is one that holds different suits. A trip of sevens, for example, beats a straight flush.