A game in which individuals compete for an amount of money or chips contributed by the players themselves (called the pot). The main skill required in poker is to minimize losses with poor hands and maximize wins with good ones.
A standard 52-card pack is used in most games, but some players add two jokers to the deck and use them as wild cards. In some cases, the rules of a particular poker form may require each player to contribute an initial contribution to the pot, called an ante.
When a player verbally announces that they will be making a bet, raise or call, it is binding and they are held to this action. It is important that players make their decisions in a clear manner, especially when it comes to raising and calling, as they are often the subject of miscommunications and disagreements.
The minimum and raise limits for a poker game are established prior to the beginning of each deal. The poker dealer sets these amounts. A player can not change their bet during a betting interval, but they may increase their raise amount once it has reached the maximum limit.
If a player has a strong hand, they can force their opponents to fold by betting aggressively. This is known as bluffing.
Poker is almost always played with poker chips. A white chip is worth the minimum ante or bet, and each color of chip represents a different amount. For example, a blue chip is worth 10 whites, while a red chip is worth five whites. By agreement among the players, a fund called a kitty is established to pay for new decks of cards and other expenses. Any chips remaining in the kitty at the end of the game are divided equally among those who are still playing.