Poker is a card game played between two or more players and is characterized by betting rounds. It is considered a game of skill and can be influenced by luck, but the long-term expectation of any given player is determined by decisions made based on probability, psychology and game theory.

The game is played with chips that represent money, and each player must place a bet (called a buy-in) before being dealt cards. During the betting round, each player may check, call, raise or fold. The object of the game is to win the pot, which is the sum of all bets placed during a deal.

To begin the hand, the dealer shuffles the cards and then deals them to each player one at a time, starting with the person to his or her left. When the first two cards are dealt, players check for blackjack and then bet in turn, beginning with the player to his or her left. If you believe your hand has a low value, then you would say hit me. The dealer will then give you another card and you can either stay or double up.

A hand is a grouping of five cards in poker, and can be made up of the two cards you are dealt or a combination of your own with community cards. The highest hand wins the pot, but you can also bet your way into a better hand by bluffing or playing a high-card strength hand.