Poker is a card game that is played by a number of people at a table. The objective is to make the best poker hand. The game’s rules are based on probabilities and psychology.

The standard pack used in Poker is 52 cards. The cards are ranked from Ace to Ace. In some games, Wild Cards are added to the pack.

The game has evolved over time. The earliest version is believed to be the 17th century French game poque. Some researchers also claim that the word “poke” comes from a word used by pickpockets. The name was later attached to a cheating game.

Today, poker can be played with any number of players. The ideal number is six to eight.

The players use the same chips and buy the same amount. The chips can be white, blue, or dark-colored. The value of the chip varies. For example, a dark-colored chip may be worth two reds, four reds, or five reds.

The game is played by betting into the pot. The winner is the player with the highest ranking hand. This is usually the player who makes the first bet.

The next step is to show the cards. This phase is known as the draw phase. The player can choose to fold, raise, or check. A player who folds must drop his or her hand and leave the pot. A player who raises must match the amount of the bet.