Poker is a card game in which players wager money (or chips) on the outcome of a hand. Although there are many variants of the game, most of them share certain features. The objective of the game is to win the pot, which is the sum of all bets placed in a single deal. This can be done by having the highest-ranking poker hand, or by bluffing and forcing other players to fold their hands. Poker is played in homes, casinos, and card clubs, and has become a major spectator sport. It is also popular on television and in online casinos.

In most poker games, each player must first ante some amount (the amount varies depending on the game). After the antes are in place, cards are dealt. Each player then has the option to call, raise, or check (a bet that does not require any additional money). If a player chooses to call, they must match the previous player’s bet.

After a round of betting, another card is dealt face up. This is called the flop. There is another round of betting, and if there are no raises, the revealing of the hands takes place. If there is a pair of identical pairs, the higher unmatched card takes precedence.

A story about poker should include anecdotes and details about other players’ behavior, such as tells (unconscious habits that reveal information about a player’s hand). The more descriptive the writing, the better.