Poker is a game in which players compete to create the best possible hand of cards. It is a family of comparing card games that can be played by individual players or in teams.

There are several types of poker, each with varying rules and a different set of decks of cards. However, all poker games involve a number of rounds of betting and an attempt to make the best possible hand.

The standard 52-card pack is used, although it may be augmented by one or two jokers in certain games. There are also community cards, dealt face up on the table, that are used by players to build their hands.

Depending on the type of poker, one or more players are required to place an initial amount of money into the pot before the cards are dealt. These are called forced bets and come in three forms: antes, blinds, and bring-ins.

Betting, or raising: In some variations of poker, a player can “raise” a bet by putting in more chips than the previous player. Alternatively, they can “drop” (“fold”), which means that they put no chips into the pot, discard their hand, and are out of the betting until the next deal.

Showdown: After the first round of betting, each player who remains must show their hands. The best hand wins the pot.

The main difference between poker and other card games is that poker uses chips, rather than real money, as a form of payment. This is because chips are easier to manage, count, and exchange for cash.