Poker is a card game in which players wager on which hand has the highest value. The rules vary according to the game’s variation, but all involve betting and a central pot of chips.

The game has a long history, with evidence of its existence in many cultures and in several languages dating back to the 16th century. Several of the game’s variants are played worldwide and have become popular in casinos, clubs, and online. The game’s popularity has led to its portrayal in television shows and movies.

In most forms of poker, players are required to make a forced bet, either an ante or blind bet, before being dealt cards. These bets are made into a communal pot, and players then take turns revealing their hands. The player with the best 5-card hand wins the pot. If there is a tie, the winnings are divided equally among the players with the best hands.

Some players may choose to reveal their cards and stay in the pot, even if they do not have the highest hand. This is known as going All-in. In this case, the player must match the last raise, or he or she must fold. Alternatively, a player who does not wish to raise can call a sight for the amount of money he or she has left. If the last raiser calls a sight, the player must raise to match him or her, or fold.