Poker is a card game where players bet on the value of their hands. The goal is to win the round by having the best hand at the end of play – this can be done by either bluffing or holding a good hand. The rules of poker vary slightly from game to game but they all involve cards and chips. Players can also use wild cards, such as deuces or jokers, which can be used to represent any card in a player’s hand.

The game begins with two mandatory bets called blinds, put into the pot by the two players to the left of the dealer. These bets ensure that there is a pot to win at the end of the hand. Once the players have all received their 2 hole cards, there is a round of betting.

Players may bet, check, call or raise as per their strategy, adding money or chips to the growing pot. If a player believes that his or her chances of winning are small, they may choose to fold their hand.

Once the betting is complete, one player reveals their hand. If this player has the best five-card hand, he or she wins the round and all the money in the pot. If no player has the best five-card hand, the players who remained in the hand share the pot equally. Players often agree before the game that any money won in the pot will be shared amongst them.