Poker is a card game where players bet chips (representing money) and try to make the best 5 card hand. While luck has a significant role in the game, over time, the application of skill can virtually eliminate the variance that is caused by chance. Articles about Poker should explain the rules of the game and also entertain readers by explaining personal anecdotes and techniques used in play, such as tells (unconscious habits displayed by a player during gameplay that reveal information about their hand).
The game begins when each player is dealt two cards. Each player then aims to make a five card poker hand using the combination of these two cards and the five community cards that are dealt face up. The best poker hand wins the pot, which is all the bets made in each round. The last card is dealt face up and a final betting round occurs before the showdown.
Each player has the opportunity to bet and raise or fold their hand during this betting phase. Players can also bluff by pretending that they have a strong or weak hand. If a player decides to fold, they are said to drop out of the hand and will not compete for the money.
Some variants of the game require one or more players to place an initial amount of money into the pot before any bets are placed. These bets are called antes, blinds, or bring-ins and are generally required before the cards are dealt.