Poker is a card game that can be played with two to 14 players. In all but the simplest forms, it is almost always played for money. Each player must first buy in (usually for a small amount such as one white chip) to get dealt cards and to place bets into a central pot. The highest hand wins the pot.
In most games, a dealer shuffles the cards and deals each player a single card face up, beginning with the chair to their left. Then the players in turn place bets into the pot, based on their card holdings and what they think the other players are trying to do.
After a number of betting intervals, the remaining players show their hands and the winner takes the pot. It is important to understand the rules of poker and be able to read your opponents’ betting habits, including subtle physical tells and their verbal responses.
For example, a very conservative player will often fold early, while an aggressive player is more likely to stay in a hand until he knows how well his cards rank. In addition, you should be able to identify the types of hands that your opponents are hoping for, such as a flush or a straight. This will help you determine whether they are likely to be bluffing or not. Many players also establish a special fund, called the kitty, which is used to pay for things such as new decks of cards and food or drinks. The kitty is usually made up of low-denomination chips, and any chips left in the kitty at the end of a game belong to the players who are still in it.