Poker is a card game where players make bets on their hands using cards. Players choose the actions they take in the course of the game based on the principles of game theory, probability, and psychology.

The game resembles Persian as nas, a card game played by sailors of the Persian Empire. It may have been brought to the New World by French settlers, or it could have been a variant of primero.

Poker is a game that can be played by any number of people, although the ideal number of players is six to eight. Cards are dealt face-up and the highest hand wins.

Two players can tie for the lowest hand, but the winner is decided by the high hand, or by the highest unmatched cards. Some poker variants involve side pots, in which different players win.

Poker is a widely-played game that has been around for centuries, but the popularity of the Internet has increased the appeal of the game. There are now hundreds of different versions of the game, and countless casinos around the world host the game.

In most games, a blind bet is made before the players are dealt. This bet is typically made with plastic or ceramic chips, but can also be made with coins.

A turn to bet is passed from player to player. Players bet or raise the amount of the previous bet. If a player folds, he or she forfeits any ante and forced bet.