Poker is a gambling game played by a group of people around a table. Cards are dealt face down to each player, and betting occurs in one or more rounds. The winning hand wins the pot.

There are many variants of the game. One of the more popular is Hold’em, which has specific rules.

Poker is played using chips of different colors. Typically, red, white and black. Some variations also include an ante, a small bet that must be placed before the cards are even dealt.

A pot is the sum of all bets made by all players in a single deal. This pot can be won by a combination of the best hand and highest bet.

A showdown is the event in which the player with the best hand wins the pot. The other players must match the hand or fold.

During a showdown, players may use a bluff to convince other players to fold. Another strategy is to call. In some poker variations, the pot may be split between the highest and lowest hands.

A small bet is usually required to call a bigger bet. These small bets can be referred to as the probe bet.

If a player is not willing to call a bet, they may drop out of the game. Alternatively, they may collect the pot without revealing their hand.

The most important feature of the poker game is the bluff. A bet on a hand is called a bluff if it is not backed up by a better bet.