Poker is a card game in which players compete for an amount of money or chips contributed by all the other players (the pot). Individuals with superior hands win. Individuals can also bluff, betting that they have a superior hand when they do not. The game has countless variants, but all share some common features: the cards are dealt randomly, each player puts in a number of chips equal to or greater than the bet made by the previous player, and a player may “call” (match) the bet, raise it, or drop out of the competition (fold).
Poker can be played in many ways, in public or private homes, in casinos, and over the Internet. The game has become a global phenomenon and its play and jargon permeate popular culture. In the United States, where the game originated, it has been a national pastime and is widely televised.
Poker, with its intricate mosaic of strategies and psychological nuances, offers a rich metaphor for the twists and turns of a compelling story. Just as a skilled poker player can read his opponents, a writer can use the complexities of the game to create characters with depth and complexity. In addition, the game’s inherent unpredictability mirrors the twists and turns of a story that keeps readers engaged. Over time, the application of skill can nearly eliminate the element of chance.