Poker is a card game that involves betting. Players make wagers before each hand of the game, and each player in turn must place chips in the pot to make their total contribution to the pot at least equal to the contribution of the player before them.
The first player to act (fold, call, or raise) in each betting interval is called the “first bettor”. After the first bettor reaches the required minimum amount, all subsequent players must place the same number of chips in the pot to make their total contribution at least equal to that of the first bettor.
In addition, all players may check. This is usually the default action in any betting round unless it is otherwise stipulated by the rules of the variant being played.
A common method to make a check is by tapping the table with fists, knuckles or index fingers, but other methods are also used. In some poker variations a check is not an action, but a gesture or a statement of intention.
Royal flush
The highest possible standard poker hand is a royal flush, which is made up of an ace, king, queen, and Jack. It beats any two of a kind, but cannot beat three of a kind.