Poker is a card game in which players bet into a central pot of money, with the highest hand winning. It is one of the most popular games in the world and has been called a national game of the United States, where it is played at casinos and at home.

The game begins with each player taking a standard pack of cards, which may be face-up or face-down depending on the variant being played. Typically, the first player on the left of the dealer is required to post an amount of money called an “ante” before receiving the initial deal of cards.

Once the ante is posted, each player receives their initial deal of cards, one at a time. This initial deal may be followed by several betting rounds, where each player’s hand is developed in some way.

A betting round ends when all active players have bet an equal amount, and no other player calls the bet or raise. To call means to match the bet or raise, and is considered to be a normal action in a game of poker.

In Poker, the best hand wins; however, there are some variants that award the pot to the lowest-ranked hand instead. These games are known as “high low split” poker.

To be successful at poker, it is necessary to master a poker face. A poker face is an unnatural expression that consists of relaxing facial muscles and remaining motionless until it is your turn to act. You can develop a poker face by focusing on the table in front of you or a spot in the distance, and breathing naturally.