Poker is a card game played by two or more players and involving betting with chips. It is considered the national card game of the United States, where it is widely played in private clubs and at casinos. It is also a popular online casino game. It has been described as a game of chance, but it requires skill and strategy to win.
While there are many different poker games, they all share certain characteristics. They are usually fast-paced, with players making continuous bets in order to increase their chances of winning. The game has become a major source of entertainment, and it is often featured in television shows and movies. There are several rules that must be followed in order to play poker properly.
The game of poker has been around for centuries, and its history is rich and varied. Its antiquity is disputed, but it is generally accepted that the game dates back at least to the 13th century and probably earlier. Its spread to Europe is attributed to the arrival of playing cards in the region, which first reached China in about 1360 and then entered Italy via the Mamluk Empire of Egypt.
Most poker variants are suitable for any number of players up to 14. The game is centered on the pot, which is the total amount of all bets made in any one deal. Each player must place into the pot enough chips to cover any bets that have been raised, or he may pass and forfeit his turn to act. In most cases, a player who raises is not required to match any further bets, but he must leave the pot if his raise is not met.