Poker is a card game that can be played by two to 14 people. In its most common form, players place bets (in the form of chips that represent money) into a pot and compete for the highest-ranking poker hand. The game has hundreds of variants, but most have similar rules. The game became popular in the early 21st century when the invention of hole-card cameras made it a spectator sport and broadcasts of major poker tournaments brought in large audiences.

In general, each player must put in at least the same number of chips as the player before him in order to continue playing the hand. This is called “putting in the pot.” A player can win the pot by having a high-ranking poker hand or by making a bet that no one calls.

The simplest poker hands are a pair, three of a kind, straight, and flush. A pair is two cards of the same rank, a straight is five cards in a sequence that skips around in rank or suit, and a flush is any five-card combination of consecutive ranks and from more than one suit.

The game is fast-paced and bets are placed in rapid succession. The most successful players develop instincts and know what they’re trying to accomplish with each bet. They’re aware of how their opponents are betting and can read tells when they’re bluffing. If a player bets often and isn’t able to get a good hand, they may become frustrated and lose their composure.