Poker is a card game in which players wager chips (representing money) on the outcome of a randomly distributed set of cards. It involves skill and strategy but is mostly a game of chance. It can be played by two to 14 people. Players compete to win the pot, which is the aggregate of all bets placed during a hand. There are many different variations of the game, but the basic rules are similar.

Each player must either call a bet by putting into the pot the same amount as the previous active player or raise it. If a player is unwilling to raise, he must fold. A player may also “drop,” which means he puts no chips into the pot and discards his hand.

The game can be played in one of a number of ways, including cash games and tournament play. There are also online versions of the game, which eliminate the need for players to be in the same room. These versions can be used to learn the game and practice strategy without risking real money.

To become a good poker player, you must be able to read your opponents. This is done by observing their tells, or unconscious habits that reveal information about their hands. These can be as simple as a change in posture or as complex as a gesture. It is also important to have a strong starting hand and to know when to bluff.