Poker is a card game for two or more players and involves betting. The aim is to win the pot, which is the sum total of all bets made during a hand. The player with the highest-ranking poker hand wins the pot. Players can also bluff to try and deceive other players. A successful bluff requires careful observation of the other players’ body language, including eye contact and facial expressions. This is called reading tells and is an essential skill in poker.

Players are dealt a set number of cards in each round, with raising and re-raising allowed. Depending on the variant of the game, one or more players may be required to place an initial amount of money into the pot before they see their cards, which is called an ante. This is intended to encourage players to place higher bets and can increase the chances of a player winning the pot.

The earliest forms of poker were played using a standard 52-card English deck, and the game became widely popular in the mid-19th century. By the time of the American Civil War, the game had spread to the United States and was adapted to a variety of betting strategies and hands.

The most common way to play poker is at a table with other people. This can be done in many places, including card games stores, conventions and private homes. Tournaments are organized events where players can meet and compete with other awesome players from their local gaming community.