Poker, the popular card game based on bluffing, is enjoyed in many countries around the world. It’s thought that its roots go back nearly 1,000 years, crossing continents and cultures.

The game begins with the dealer shuffles the cards and deals them to the players in turn, starting with the player on the left side of the table. The first betting round then begins, with each player putting in the appropriate number of chips to make his total contribution to the pot at least equal to that of his predecessor.

In each of the subsequent betting rounds, a “pot” is accumulated, which may be won by having the highest-ranking hand or by making a bet that no other player calls. At the end of each betting interval, each player who remains must show his or her hand face-up on the table in order to take the pot.

As a player, you’ll have to learn to read your opponents’ moods and behaviors in the course of a game. This is a skill that’s not difficult to develop but requires careful observation.