Poker is a card game played between two or more players. The object of the game is to win the pot, or the sum of all bets placed during one deal. While some forms of poker involve only a minimal amount of chance, most games are based on probability, psychology, and game theory. Poker can be played with any number of players, but the ideal number is six or more. Players place bets either because they believe the hand they have has positive expected value, or to bluff other players for strategic reasons. A poker game may last a long time, and the players’ actions are often influenced by alcohol or drugs.

In most poker games, the dealer shuffles the cards and then deals each player a set number of cards, beginning with the player to their left. Depending on the game, the cards may be dealt face up or face down. A betting round then occurs, with players able to raise or call bets.

Once the betting is complete, the players reveal their hands. The highest hand wins the pot. A standard poker hand consists of five cards, with the rank of each card determined by its mathematical frequency (e.g., a pair of jacks beats a single ace). Ties are broken by the highest unmatched card.

In some poker games, players may exchange their cards for new ones during or after the betting round. This is known as a “re-raise.” A re-raise means that the player raising bets has a stronger hand than the previous player, and thus will win the pot.