Poker is a card game in which players make bets with chips that represent units of money. Each player is required to place an initial amount of money into the pot, called an ante or bring-in, before being dealt cards. Then, during each betting round, a player may choose to call, check, or fold. In some situations a player will put all of their remaining chips into the pot, called an all-in bet. There are special rules governing how this type of bet works.
Unlike many other casino games, Poker is generally not played with cards face up but rather with cards hidden from the other players. When a player calls, checks, or folds, they are ending the current betting round and will not participate in future rounds.
A player’s hand consists of one pair (two matching cards), two pair, three of a kind, or a full house. The highest hand is a royal flush, consisting of four of the same suit (Ace, King, Queen, and Jack) in sequence.
Players can make additional money in poker by charging a fee known as rake. This fee is usually 2.5% – 5% of the total pot. Players can also earn money by winning tournaments and playing in live games. However, this method of making money can be very risky and requires a large investment of time and effort.