Poker is a card game played by two or more players (although it can also be played one-on-one). It is played with a standard 52-card pack, plus any cards needed for the particular variant being played. In most cases, the highest-ranking hand wins. There are many different poker variants, most of which involve betting. Some of these bet more than others, and some have special rules for winning the pot.

In a typical cash game, each player antes something, typically a small amount such as a nickel, before being dealt a hand of cards. Each player then bets into a “pot,” the total of all bets made in each deal. The highest hand that remains in the pot wins the pot. Some games have blind bets, either replacing or in addition to the ante. These bets must be called if the player is to remain in play. If the player doesn’t want to bet, they can say “check” and pass their turn.

The earliest mention of poker was in the 1845 edition of Hoyle’s Games, where it is described as “Poker or Bluff.” In fact, there is more than a little skill involved in playing poker, especially when money is on the line. Players are able to learn a lot about their opponents through body language, facial expressions, gestures and breathing – a process known as reading tells. Knowing these tells can give the player an edge. Having the right attitude to the game can also be an asset.