Poker is a card game that involves betting, raising and folding hands. While it does involve a fair amount of luck, it also requires great skill and strategy. Players must be able to bluff other players and win the pot with strong hands. There are many different poker variations, and each has its own unique rules. However, all poker games share some common features.

Depending on the game, one or more players must place an initial amount of money into the pot before the cards are dealt. These initial forced bets are called antes or blinds. During a hand, players bet according to how much they believe their hand is worth. They may also choose to raise their bet, calling any other player’s bet or more. The object of the game is to win the pot, which is the total sum of all bets during a deal.

In most games, there are six or seven players. Some games can accommodate more than seven players, but this is rare. Most games are played with chips, which represent a dollar value and are exchanged for cash prior to the start of each hand. Chips are typically white, black, or blue and can come in various sizes.

Most poker games are fast-paced and the betting round is often completed within a few rounds. If a player has a weak hand, they will usually fold it, losing the chips they have put into the pot. In some cases, a player may “check” the pot and pass on their turn to act. When this happens, the other players must either match or raise the previous player’s bet.