Poker is a card game of skill, strategy, and chance. It is played with a standard 52-card deck and involves betting based on the strength of your hand. It challenges players to make decisions with imperfect information, navigate uncertainty, and read others. It also requires the ability to bluff convincingly and manage risk. The game has a rich cultural and psychological meaning that extends beyond the simple mechanics of gameplay.

A round of betting begins after each player receives 2 hole cards. This is called the flop. Each player may then choose to fold, call, or raise. To raise, you must match the previous player’s bet amount. Saying “raise” adds more money to the pot and forces other players to choose between calling or folding their hands.

Although early research on the history of poker reveals many possible ancient origins, its likely immediate predecessor is a 17th-century French game called Poque. From there it spread up the Mississippi River and across the country, popularized by riverboat captains and Civil War soldiers. By the 1870s, it was a staple in Wild West saloons. It eventually evolved into the modern game with a standard 52-card deck. Several variants now exist, including Stud and Draw, but the fundamental principles remain unchanged.