Poker is a card game that can be played by two or more players. It is a fast-paced game that requires skill and knowledge of strategy to win. The game has many variants and is played in private homes, poker clubs, at casinos, and over the Internet. It has been called the national card game of the United States, and its play and jargon have become part of American culture.

The rules of poker are generally similar across all variants. One of the most important aspects of the game is the understanding that while there is a large element of chance involved in any given hand, successful players will make decisions chosen on the basis of probability, psychology and game theory.

During each betting interval, players place chips into the pot to either call or raise the bet made by the player before them. Players can also check, which means they will not bet during that round and wait for the next turn to act.

To start a hand, each player must ante up (place an amount of money into the pot). A dealer then shuffles and deals cards to each player, beginning with the person on their left. Then the players can decide whether to keep their cards, discard them or fold their hands.

The highest ranking hand wins. Common hands include pairs, three of a kind, four of a kind and straights. If a player has five consecutive cards of the same suit, this is a flush.