Poker is a game of cards that is played for money and is played by two to four players. Its origins are unknown but the game has been adapted from earlier games. It is thought that the word “poker” was first attached to a game played on a Mississippi riverboat by two to four men. The rules are simple, but there is a degree of cheating.

After the first round of dealing, the players are dealt one card face down. Each player then calls or drops their bets. Then, another round of dealing is completed and a betting interval begins. After the third and fourth round of dealing, the hole cards are revealed. The player with the highest poker combination is called the “first bettor.” They must place a minimum bet during the first betting interval to remain in the game. They may also check in later betting intervals.

Expert poker players know how to hide their tells. Tells are physical cues that can make other players notice their hand. These cues can be as subtle as facial tics or nervous habits. Some professional players even wear sunglasses or hats to hide their tell-tale eyes. This helps them mask their physical signs and throw the other players off their game.

Players can play poker with any number of players, although the ideal number is six to eight. A pot is the sum of bets placed by all players during a round. A player can win the pot by having the highest poker hand or by making a bet that no other player makes.