Poker is a card game where players place wagers with the cards in their hands and hope to make the best possible hand. The hand rankings are as follows: a full house (three matching cards of one rank and two matching cards of another rank), four of a kind (four cards of the same rank), straight (5 consecutive ranks but from different suits), and a flush (3 consecutive matches of the same suit).
The game is played in rounds, with each player taking turns to act. Each round begins when a player, in turn, puts chips into the pot. Players can then call the amount of the bet, raise (bet more than a previous player), or fold their hand. If they choose to fold, they forfeit any chips that they have already put into the pot and are out of the round until the next deal.
As a result, winning Poker is difficult. However, many players succeed by using their knowledge of the game and understanding the other players at the table. The most successful players play to maximise their wins and minimise their losses – an approach known as Min-Max.
Many people enjoy Poker as a social activity and regularly attend live tournaments. These events are often called locals or weeklies, and are usually held at card shops, bars, community centers, and occasionally at universities. There is also a growing number of online Poker tournaments. However, it is important to remember that these events are not the same as professional tournaments.