Poker is a family of card games that are based on a simple principle: the best hand wins. However, this simple principle is only one of many different ways to play a game of poker.

One of the more common ways of playing a game of poker is to use a deck of cards. The standard deck is 52 cards in length. Depending on the specific game, a player may use a single deck or several packs.

Unlike other gambling games, bluffing is the core of poker. A bluff is a tactic that involves using a low card or combination of cards to make it appear as if a higher card is the best.

In some games, a joker is added to the standard 52-card deck. Jokers are considered a wild card, and can be used to make a flush or straight. These are usually included as a fifth card in a pack of cards, but some games may specify a different order or suit.

Another important aspect of a good poker hand is the number of wild cards it has. A high number of wild cards does not hurt a good hand. Rather, a number of wild cards is just a fancy name for a number of different hand combinations.

Most modern poker games are played with a standard deck of cards. Generally, the cards are ranked from Ace to ace. Often, a joker is added to the pack to speed the game up.