Poker is a family of card games that are played around the world. In the game, players bet against other players on the strength of their hand. The player with the highest hand takes the pot.

To play poker, a player needs a table, chairs, and a deck of cards. Players also need chips. Chips come in different colors, typically red, green, and blue.

Poker is usually played with a deck of cards, but a stripped-deck is sometimes used. Cards are dealt face up and face down.

Before the start of a game, each player is given two cards. Players can choose to fold, check, raise, or bet. Once all the players have received their starting cards, a betting round begins.

After the first betting round, a second round of cards is dealt to each player. These are usually face up. If the players are still tied, a showdown occurs. During a showdown, each hand is revealed.

During the betting round, each player must put in the same number of chips into the pot. Each bet is recorded in the center of the table. When a player’s bet is called, he must either raise, call, or fold.

After the final round of betting, the player with the highest hand takes the pot. Depending on the game, other players may win side pots.

Poker is most commonly known as a game of bluffing. The player who makes a bet without showing his or her hand is said to bluff.