Poker is a card game in which players independently try to assemble a high-ranking hand of cards in order to win money or chips. The game involves a significant amount of chance and risk, and its rules are based on probability, psychology, and game theory. Although poker is played in many variations, most involve a forced bet (usually either an ante or blind) before players are dealt cards. Each player puts in a fixed number of chips, usually white or light-colored, that represent money. A player may choose to place additional chips into the pot when it is his turn, if he believes that doing so will improve his chances of winning the hand.

The initial round of betting in a hand is opened by two mandatory bets called blinds, put into the pot by the players to the left of the dealer. After the blinds have been placed, each player receives two cards, which they keep secret from other players. Then a series of cards is dealt face up in three stages, starting with the flop and then an additional single card, known as the turn, and finally the river. During each betting interval, players can make decisions about calling or raising other players’ bets for strategic reasons.

The highest-ranking hand is a royal flush, which consists of a 10, Jack, Queen, and King of the same suit. Other high hands include a straight flush, four of a kind, and a full house.