Poker is a card game in which players bet chips (representing money) for the chance to win a hand. The value of a hand depends on the combination of its cards, and a player can win by either having the highest-ranking card or by betting that he or she does have the best hand when no other players call. Players may also bluff, meaning they bet that their card is the best but do not have it, in order to fool opponents into believing they have a better hand than they actually do.

The game can be played with any number of players, but there are standard rules for how the game is conducted. The first round of betting begins with 2 mandatory bets called blinds, placed into the pot by the players to the left of the dealer. These bets create an incentive for players to play the game and contribute to the pot.

After the initial betting interval, each player is dealt 2 cards face-down (hidden from other players). These are known as a player’s hole or pocket cards. Three additional cards are then dealt face-up in the center of the table and are known as the flop. These are community cards that can be used by all players to make their best 5-card hand.

Players can then take turns revealing their cards and placing bets, which are called “calling” bets. Alternatively, players can choose to fold and forfeit their chances of winning the round. This is sometimes referred to as “going all in.”