Poker is a card game in which players place bets on the outcome of a hand, a round of betting, or the entire pot. It is a game of chance, but also involves elements of psychology and skill. It is a social and recreational game for all ages.

A game of poker is typically played with a small number of people around a table. The dealer shuffles the cards and then deals them out to each player one at a time, beginning with the player to his or her left. A round of betting begins, and the highest hand wins the pot. The winning hand can be either a pair or a straight. The cards are then gathered into the central pile called the pot, and the game ends when all players have run out of their own chips or no longer wish to continue betting.

Some variants of poker require mandatory bets before the deal, called blind bets. These bets occur before each player is dealt cards and are matched or raised by each player during the course of the hand. Players are allowed to check (pass on the play) if they do not wish to make a bet, but must call any raises during their turn.

A good poker player is able to use a combination of tactics, including raising and bluffing, to win pots. It is important to be able to read other players and identify their betting patterns. For example, a conservative player will often fold early in the hand and can be easily bluffed into calling.