Poker is a card game in which players wager chips on the outcome of a hand. It is a game of chance, but players also use knowledge of probability, psychology, and game theory to make strategic decisions. The object of the game is to win the pot, or the total of all bets made in a deal. The pot may be won by either a high-ranking hand or by bluffing.

There are many variations of poker, but most involve betting and the showing of cards. The game can be played by two to 14 people, but the ideal number is 6 or 7 players. Each player has a set of cards, and when it is his or her turn to bet, they must choose whether to call (match) the previous player’s bet, raise, or drop.

When calling, a player must place chips into the pot equal to the amount of the bet that the person to their left placed. When raising, a player must put in more than the previous player, or else they must fold their hand. When dropping, a player forfeits any chips that they have already placed into the pot and discards their cards.

Poker is usually played with poker chips, and each player must purchase a certain number of them at the beginning of the game. Typically, white chips are worth the minimum ante or bet, red chips are worth five whites, and blue chips are worth ten whites. Each player must be careful to keep track of their chips to avoid confusion. In addition, players should be aware of tells, or subtle body language that other players might pick up on. For example, a player who blinks frequently or has their eyes closed for long periods of time might be trying to hide nervousness.