A game in which players place chips (representing money, for which poker is almost always played) into a central pot in order to compete with each other to create the highest-value hand. Betting occurs in one or more intervals according to the rules of the particular poker variant being played. At the start of a betting interval, a player – designated by the rules of the game – has the privilege or obligation to make the first bet.

A standard pack of 52 cards plus jokers is used in most poker games. Each card has a rank, with the Ace being high. There are four suits: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs. A pair is two cards of equal rank. Three of a kind is three cards of the same rank. A flush is five consecutive cards of the same suit. A straight is five cards in sequence, but not necessarily all from the same suit. A full house is three matching cards of one rank and two matching cards of another rank. A high card breaks ties.

Being successful at poker requires several skills, including discipline and perseverance, and sharp focus. A good poker player is also committed to smart game selection, ensuring that they play the games that provide the best learning opportunity for them. In addition, a good poker player works on improving their physical game to develop the stamina required for long poker sessions. Lastly, good players learn to view the game in a cold, mathematical and logical way, which enables them to maximize their winning potential.