Poker is a card game played in a variety of ways around the world and in many different types of social environments. It is a game of skill that requires reading opponents, predicting odds, and making big bluffs. It is also a game of chance because luck can turn at any time during a hand.
Before a game of poker begins, an initial dealer must be chosen. This is done by dealing each player a card from a shuffled deck and the person receiving the highest card becomes the first dealer. Ties are broken by a repeat deal.
The basic equipment for a poker game is a table (preferably round) and chairs. Poker chips are typically used to represent money, and players exchange cash for the appropriate sized chips prior to each deal. Chips are usually colored red, black, or white, and the values assigned to them are based on the specific poker variant being played.
During the betting period in a poker hand, each player has the option of calling, raising, or folding their hand. The term “raising” means increasing the amount you are betting by the same amount as the player before you. You must raise or fold your hand to participate in the pot. Poker tells are a way for players to communicate their feelings and intentions during a poker hand without actually saying anything. Common tells include shallow breathing, sighing, nose flaring, blinking rapidly, and a hand over the mouth to conceal a smile.