Poker is a card game played between two or more players and involves betting on the outcome of a hand. The game was developed in the United States at some point during the early 19th century and has become one of the most popular card games in the world. It is played in casinos, private homes, and in groups and has gained popularity as a spectator sport with broadcasts of high stakes poker tournaments such as the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour drawing large audiences.
There are hundreds of different poker variants, but all share some common features. The game is generally played with chips that represent money, and each player must contribute an amount to the pot before he or she is dealt cards. Each player must place in the pot, or in the case of a face-up game, in front of him, an amount equal to the total contribution made by the players before him.
During the game, players are required to make forced bets, usually an ante and a blind bet. Those who call or raise the bets are said to be in the pot.
Depending on the poker game, there may be several rounds of betting and a showdown. Most games are played with a standard 52-card deck, with the addition of one or more jokers. During the deal, one or more cards are dealt to each active player, beginning with the player on the dealer’s left. Afterwards, the remaining cards are reshuffled and prepared for the next deal.