Poker is a card game that involves betting between two or more players. The object of the game is to win the “pot,” or the total amount of money bet by all players during one deal. This is accomplished by having a higher-ranking hand than the other players. Unlike most casino games, where the odds of winning are based on chance, poker has a significant amount of skill involved, particularly when it comes to bluffing.

In most games, players must ante up (amount varies by game, ours is typically a nickel) to be dealt cards. Once the cards are dealt, players place bets into the center pot, called a ”pot,” in clockwise order. The highest hand wins the pot at the end of the hand.

To place a bet, you must say either “call” or “raise.” If you call, you will match the last person’s bet and put your chips or cash into the pot. If you raise, the other players must either call your new bet or fold.

If you want to write a good poker story, your scene should have some kind of conflict or tension that keeps the reader engaged. This can be as simple as describing how the other players react to your own betting pattern or how you read their body language or facial expressions. Also, don’t forget to incorporate some anecdotes — these can be a great way to add realism to your scene.