Poker is a game where players compete against one another by placing forced bets (called blind bets) on cards. Each player is given a certain number of chips to put in the pot, and he must match the number of chips in the pot with his ante. The dealer then deals each player a single card at a time. These cards may be dealt face-up or face-down, depending on the type of poker being played. The players then develop poker hands in between rounds.

Players use different hands when they play passively versus aggressively. They estimate the frequency of action and visual range, and axe out hands that would not play well. They also look at the types of situations in which each hand would be favored, and the frequency of action in which each player folds and raises.

Poker is played with poker chips, and there are three main types of poker chips. Each color chip has a specific value. The lowest value chip is white, while the highest value chip is red. Each of the three colors represents a different card. Normally, white chips are the lowest value, while red chips are worth 10 or twenty or more.

Poker is played in nearly every country around the world. Its roots go back to the 16th century, when Germans began playing a bluffing game called Pochen. Later, this game evolved into the French version called Poque. This version was brought to New Orleans, where it was played on riverboats.