Poker is a card game in which players place wagers based on the cards they have. Its rules are governed by probability and deception, making it an intriguing game for millions of people. Its popularity is often attributed to television shows, professional tournaments and films like Rounders, where Matt Damon’s character plays underground poker games to repay a loan shark.
To play poker, each player must “buy in” for a certain number of chips. Each chip is worth a specific amount of money, such as one white chip, five red chips, or ten blue chips. A minimum of 200 chips is usually required for a game with seven or more players. The players then take turns betting and calling, or raising each other’s bets.
Expert poker players know how to hide their tells, or unconscious physical signs that reveal information about the strength of a hand. These can include facial or body tics, staring too long at a card, and nervous habits such as rubbing the eyes or biting nails. The best poker players can also spot false tells and use them to their advantage.
The goal of poker is to make the highest-ranking five-card hand. Different hands have different rankings depending on the number and kind of cards that are held. For example, a pair of Kings beats a straight, and a full house is better than two unrelated cards. In addition, a royal flush is even better than a straight.