Poker is a game of skill that involves predicting and evaluating the likelihood of a hand. In addition, it has a bluffing element. It can be played live or on the internet.

The aim of the game is to collect as many chips as possible from other players. There are several variations of the game. Each variation has its own card dealing style. Some of the common ones include Three-Card Monte, Poker, and Spit-in-the-Ocean.

The number of players participating in the game is usually eight or nine. Each player receives five cards. However, some games have fewer than five cards, such as Three-Card Brag.

A pot is formed from the total bets made by all players in one deal. Players can win the pot by betting the best hand or if no other players call their bet. If the players are all tied, the tie is broken by the second highest card.

In a game where more than one player is still in contention after the final round, a side pot may be created. The pot is split among the remaining players.

A forced bet is a bet that must be placed before the dealer deals the cards. These bets can be ante, blind, or a blind bet.

A bluff is an attempt by a player to get his opponent to bet against him. When a bluff is successful, the player gets his opponent’s chips without showing his own. Another form of bluff is called the raise.