Poker is a card game that is played between two or more people. Each player puts chips, which represent money, into the pot when it is their turn to act. The player with the highest ranked hand of cards wins the pot. Players may also place additional chips in the pot to increase their winnings, called raising. Observation is a crucial part of the game, and successful players study their opponents’ betting patterns to determine whether they are bluffing or have a strong hand.

The game was popularized in the early 21st century by the invention of the hole-card camera, which made it possible for spectators to follow the action and drama as the hands were played. This led to the growth of poker as a spectator sport, with major tournaments such as the World Series of Poker drawing large television audiences. The game continues to grow in popularity around the world, with the number of people playing increasing dramatically.

There are many different variants of poker, but the basic rules are generally similar. Each player begins by placing a bet into the pot, which must be at least equal to the amount of money placed in the pot by the player before him. The player can choose to raise his bet, call the previous player’s bet, or fold.

After the flop is dealt, there is another round of betting. In this round, one additional community card is revealed and the players can again bet, check or raise. The final betting round is called the river, and it reveals the fifth and final community card. Once again, the player with the best ranked hand wins the pot.

In addition to learning the mathematics of probability and game theory, a successful poker player must be able to read his opponents. This is done through observation of a player’s body language, such as facial expressions and hand movements, as well as his manner of speech. Inexperienced players often attempt to show that they are strong by behaving in a way that contradicts their actual hands. For example, they might be loud and aggressive with weak hands in order to scare off calls, or they might be quiet and meek when they have a good hand.

The game may be regulated by a set of standard rules, but it is common for clubs or groups of players to make special rules that suit their own preferences. These are known as house rules, and they should be written down for reference. A poker club can even be sanctioned by a gaming authority, which oversees the operation of the club and protects the interests of its members. These rules must be agreed upon by the majority of players. The most important of these rules is that the players must act fairly towards each other and not cheat or bribe other players to win the game. This helps keep the game fun and exciting for everyone involved.