Poker is a card game played between two or more players and involves betting. It is often considered a game of chance, but skill can eliminate the element of luck in the long run.

The game starts when each player puts into the pot a certain number of chips (representing money) – called an ante or blinds – depending on the rules of the specific poker variant being played. Then, each player receives two cards, which are known as hole cards. The first player to act may choose to call, raise or fold.

If a player raises, the player to his left must match that amount of money to stay in the round. If he calls the bet, he remains in the hand and competes for the pot. A player who chooses to fold forfeits his hand and is no longer eligible to win the pot.

Once all players have received their 2 hole cards, a third card is dealt face up – the flop. Another round of betting then takes place.

After the flop, a final card is dealt – the river. A final round of betting takes place and the player with the highest 5 card poker hand wins the pot. If no one has a winning hand, all players will share in the pot equally.