Poker is a card game in which players wager money, called chips, on the outcome of a hand. The game can be played by two to 14 players. Each player begins the game by purchasing a certain number of poker chips, usually in the form of ante or blind bets. The chips have varying values: A white chip is worth one minimum ante or bet, a red chip is worth five whites, and a blue chip is worth 10 or 20 whites.

The objective of the game is to win the pot, which is the sum total of all bets placed during a single deal. A player may win the pot by having a high-ranking poker hand or by bluffing. The game can also be won by one player betting enough to intimidate his opponents into folding before the showdown.

While it is possible to play poker without knowing the odds of a particular hand, the game is most often played using probability calculations and strategic thinking. The game also teaches players to focus, improve their discipline and concentration, and manage risk. In addition, it is an excellent social and networking activity.

One of the most important skills in poker is learning how to read your opponents. Although many people have a general ability to read facial expressions and body language, professional poker players use a variety of techniques to study their opponents, including studying their betting patterns and reading tells.