Poker is a card game that involves betting and a bit of psychology. There’s a lot more skill at poker than you might think, especially when it comes to reading your opponents. This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive introduction into the rules of Poker, but if you want to learn more, read a book or start playing with a group of people who know how.

In most poker games, each player is required to put in a bet (known as a buy-in) before he is dealt cards. Players may call the bet, raise it or fold. The player with the best 5-card hand wins the round, called a “pot.” If no one has a high enough hand to win the pot, it’s a tie and all the bets go back into the pot for the next hand.

Depending on the variant of poker being played, there are often blind bets that replace or happen in addition to the ante. These bets are usually placed in a circle around the table. The person who starts a betting interval is known as the dealer or the “dealer.”

As you write scenes featuring poker, pay close attention to your characters’ reactions to the cards. How they flinch, smile, blink and respond will help bring your scene to life. You should also keep up to date with the latest trends in the game, including what’s going on at major casinos like those in Las Vegas or Atlantic City in the USA.