Poker is a card game in which players compete to form the highest-ranking hand of cards, in order to win cash or chips. Although the game requires a large degree of luck, over time the application of skills can eliminate much of the variance caused by chance. Articles about Poker often entertain readers with personal anecdotes and techniques used during play, such as tells (unconscious habits displayed by a player during gameplay that reveal information about their hand).

The rules of Poker vary widely, depending on the variant being played. In most games, there are one or more betting intervals during each deal, and the first player to act must either call a bet, raise it, or fold if they do not wish to continue playing. A player who chooses to raise a bet must make his total stake in the pot at least equal to that of the player before him, and may raise it further if he wishes.

A standard poker hand is made up of five cards of the same suit, and ties are broken by the highest unmatched cards or secondary pairs (in a full house, for example). A royal flush beats all other hands, except a straight.

Poker has become the national card game of the United States, and its play and jargon permeate American culture. However, the game is also popular in many other countries, and it can be played in a variety of settings, from private homes to casinos.