Poker is a card game in which players place wagers, called chips or money, in a pot to win. The game has a wide variety of strategies that involve the use of probability, psychology, and game theory. It has become a popular spectator sport, with many tournaments broadcast on television and with large crowds at the casinos where they are played.

Before the cards are dealt, each player must place an initial amount of money into the pot, called an ante. Some games also have additional forced bets called blinds that are placed into the pot by two players before each round of betting starts. These bets provide an incentive for players to continue playing, even when their hands are bad, because they may have a good chance of winning the pot.

After the antes have been placed, each player receives 2 hole cards. Then there is a round of betting, initiated by 2 mandatory bets called blinds that are put into the pot by the players to the left of the dealer. After the bets have been placed, a third card is dealt face up and another round of betting starts.

There are many ways to misinform other players about the strength of their hand. For example, a strong player will raise the size of their bets to force weaker players to fold before a showdown where all remaining players reveal their cards and one player wins the pot.