Among the many card games, Poker is one of the most classic and widely played. No one knows exactly how the game began, but most people believe that it is a hybrid of several earlier games. The word “poker” was originally attached to a game played by cheaters on a Mississippi riverboat. Green characterized the game as being played by two to four people with at least 20 cards in their hands. Although the game has many similarities to other card games, the word itself was originally coined in 18th-century France.
In poker, players place bets in order to determine who has the highest-ranking hand. The value of each hand is inversely proportional to its mathematical frequency. Typically, the highest-ranking hand wins. When two or more players have the same-ranking hand, the high card outside of the four-of-a-kind pair breaks ties. Similarly, a flush is made up of all cards of the same suit, and the highest hand is the winner.
People consider poker as entertainment by proxy. They enjoy watching the game because it gives them a feeling of what it would be like to participate in the game. For example, poker is so competitive that it is fun to watch a game that is based on competition. However, poker is different than sports. People are more likely to play poker when they are having fun. The social aspect of poker allows for a positive mental association with winning. In addition to being fun to watch, poker also provides a sense of satisfaction.