Poker is a card game played between two or more players. The objective is to win the pot, which is the sum of all bets made during a hand. You can do this by making the highest-ranking poker hand or by betting more than other players.

Players begin each round by purchasing a specific number of chips. Usually, a white chip is worth the minimum ante or bet; a red chip is worth five whites. After this, each player places their chips into the pot in turn. They may check (no bet), call (match a previous player’s bet), or raise (bet more than a previous player).

It is possible to bluff in poker, but it is important to do so in the right place and at the right time. Typically, the best time to bluff is when your opponent has a strong pair or three of a kind and is unlikely to make a flush or straight.

When deciding whether to call, raise, or fold, it is important to consider how long it has been since your opponent last acted. An immediate action is often a sign of weakness, while a longer silence can indicate strength.

The earliest record of poker dates back to the sixteenth century, when it was first recorded in German as Pochen and later in French as Poque. Today, the game is played in many countries worldwide. It is one of the most popular casino games and is widely regarded as an exciting and challenging pastime.